Wealth Awesome

20 Best Business Ideas To Start In Canada 2024: Be Your Own Boss

Photo of author

Have you ever wanted to start your own business in Canada?

Starting a small business is a huge step. While there is a certain amount of risk involved in starting any business, the right idea could be your key to financial freedom. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and you’re looking for the best business ideas to start in Canada , then look no further!

98% of employers in Canada are small businesses. If you’re ready to join their ranks and build a business from the ground up, here are some creative business ideas to get your thoughts flowing.

1) Start a Business In Canada With A Low Investment 2) Start a Business In Canada With At Least $50,000 3) Start a Business In Canada With At Least $100,000

Is It Easy To Start A Business In Canada?

Starting a business is usually a lot easier than it seems. Realistically, the only things you need to start your own business in Canada are:

  • An idea (and hopefully a business plan)
  • Business number from the CRA
  • Business licenses from your province
  • Business license from your city
  • Business bank account

Once you have your idea, you can register your business name with the CRA to receive a business number (BN) . This is what you’ll use for federal tax purposes, and it’s 100% free.

With your government-issued BN, you’ll then be able to apply for a business license through your province. This can cost anywhere from $75 to $300, depending on the type of business you’re starting and provincial regulations.

In total, starting a business in Canada can cost as little as $500, if you file for all of the paperwork yourself (rather than hiring an accountant).

  • If you live in Ontario, be sure to check out my complete guide on how to register a business in Ontario .

Best Businesses To Start With a With A Low Investment

Starting a business in Canada doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Here are some simple business ideas that you can start with little to no money in Canada.

1. Social Media Marketing Agency

Social Media Marketing Agency

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: None
  • How Much You Can Make: $1,000 – $10,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Learn social media marketing, work with local businesses

Local businesses often need a lot of help when it comes to social media marketing. Many small business owners simply don’t have the time or skills to tap into the power of social media.

If you have a good mind for marketing and know your way around social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, this can be a great online business to start .

The hard part is finding clients. I suggest starting off by offering a low-cost service to a friend’s business and then asking them to refer you to more clients. Let your work speak for itself, and soon you’ll be able to charge clients $500 a week or more to manage their social media profiles.

2. Coffee Stand

Coffee Stand

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $2,000 – $3,000
  • How To Start: Buy coffee materials, sell at events

According to CBC , Canadians drink more coffee than just about any other country in the world, making this a great small business idea. Starting a small coffee stand is a great way to tap into this ever-growing market. A simple stand might consist of:

  • A small food cart or collapsable table
  • Several large coffee carafes to store brewed coffee
  • Paper cups, lids, and sleeves
  • Flavoured syrups
  • Sugars and creamers

A great way to earn money with your coffee stand would be to register with local events, such as sports matches, car shows, or local festivals.

Early morning events tend to be more profitable, as people are already used to drinking coffee in the morning.

3. Window Cleaning Business

Window Cleaning Business

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $300
  • How Much You Can Make: $1,000 – $8,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy window cleaning materials, advertise to local businesses and homes

Looking for an easy side hustle to start? Window cleaning is an incredibly simple service that almost all storefronts and residential homes need. The materials are usually very cheap and consist of:

  • Window cleaning solution

You’ll also probably need a ladder to reach higher windows. For commercial jobs that require a higher lift, you can always rent a lift from an equipment rental company. Retail storefronts are likely going to be your best customers, though, and most windows are less than 15 feet tall.

Most window cleaners charge a set rate per pane or based on the square footage of the glass.

4. AirBnB Rental (Rental Arbitrage)

AirBnB Rental (Rental Arbitrage)

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $3,000 – $5,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $500 – $6,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Rent a property under your name, then list it on AirBnB for more

Rental arbitrage is one of the best ways to get into real estate with minimal investment.

The process is incredibly simple too. All you need to do is rent an apartment, condo, or home under your name. Then, you can list that property on AirBnB as a short-term rental.

Let’s say that your monthly rent is $2,000. If you list it on AirBnB for $180 per night and have a 75% occupancy rate, then you could earn over $4,000 per month.

Be careful with this strategy though, as it might violate terms of rental agreements, so make sure to read the fine print.

5. Painting Company

Painting Company

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $1,500
  • How To Start: Buy painting supplies, paint homes and businesses

You can purchase a decent spray painting machine, paint rollers, brushes, a ladder, and tape for around $1,500. Once you have your tools, you can sell your services to homeowners and small businesses.

This is one of the best small business ideas for those who enjoy hands-on work and have an artistic side.

You can earn up to $500 for painting small bedrooms and up to $10,000 for painting an entire home interior. Prices are subjective based on quality and difficulty, which allows you to set your own prices.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

6. AI Automation Business

If you’re looking for a business idea to take advantage of the emerging AI economy, you can’t go wrong with an AI automation business. OpenAI, the founder of Chat GPT, has created its AI as an open-source model, allowing anybody to download and customize the AI’s source code.

The best part is that you don’t even need to be a programmer to program your own AI. You can use Chat GPT to write all of the code for your personal AI by giving it instructions in plain English.

From here, you can approach small businesses and offer to create a custom AI to help them with their inventory, customer service, or whatever else they may need AI services for.

I would recommend charging an initial development fee to create the AI, and then leasing it to the business for a monthly fee. Once they see how it helps them streamline their business operations, they’ll have no problem continuing to pay the fee.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

7. Cell Phone Repair Business

  • How Much You Can Make: $3,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy small electronics tools, fix phones

When was the last time that you cracked your screen? If you’re like me, then it probably wasn’t too long ago.

Although many cell phone owners opt to use their phone’s insurance to replace broken phones, not everybody opts in for the monthly insurance service offered by cell phone companies.

If you want to make money fast , a cell phone repair business is incredibly affordable to start, and you can honestly start your business out of your home or garage until you can afford to rent a small office space.

As a cell phone repair specialist, you’ll take phones apart, replace screens, charging ports, buttons and more. You can learn all of the skills you need by spending a day on YouTube and practicing with your own phone.

If you’re still not 100% confident, you can even offer to do your first few jobs for free to gain more experience.

To give you an idea of how much you could make, a screen repair job can easily cost between $100 and $250 and usually won’t take longer than a couple of hours.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

8. Personal Training Business

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $500
  • How To Start: Get certified, offer online and in-person training sessions

The fitness industry is projected to grow by 171% by 2028 in Canada. You can become a certified personal trainer within a few weeks and start taking your own clients.

One of the easiest ways to make money as a personal trainer is to find in-person clients through your personal connections and the local community. You can take them to your local gym (as long as they don’t have personal training rules) and exercise with them there or do callisthenics in the park.

Once you save up some money, you can rent a small office space and turn it into a personal training gym for your clients.

I would argue that the real money comes from acquiring clients online and selling online courses, though. If you can build a social media brand , you’ll be able to start selling personalized training and nutrition courses to clients online.

You can even charge a monthly fee for virtual consultations, check-ups, or video workout sessions.

[Back to Top]

Best Businesses To Start With At Least $50,000

If you’re working with a little bit more money, here are some of the best business ideas to start if you’re working with around $50,000.

9. Food Truck

Food Truck

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $35,000 – $50,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $500 – $8,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy a food truck, market it, and sell food

If you’re a decent chef or have a unique food idea, then a food truck can be a very profitable business opportunity. It’s a great way to get into the industry without having to invest hundreds of thousands into a full-blown restaurant.

You can purchase pre-built food trucks for around $30,000. Then, you’ll need to get it wrapped with your logo and modify the kitchen space to your needs.

The hard part is advertising and growing your business. Once you’re popular in your local area, though, your food truck can earn thousands of dollars per week by setting up in a regular location or selling food at events.

10. Landscaping Company

Landscaping Company

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $25,000 – $60,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $2,000 – $15,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy landscaping equipment, a truck, and a trailer

If you like working outdoors, then a landscaping company is one of the best small business ideas during the spring and summer months. You’ll need to account for the following equipment to start:

  • Push mower: $200
  • Riding mower: $10,000
  • Pickup Truck: $15,000 (used) $40,000 (new)
  • Equipment trailer: $7,000
  • String trimmer: $650
  • Edger: $650
  • Hedge trimmer: $500

Once you build your customer base, it’s a business that you can scale by hiring employees. If you’re concerned about not having business in the winter, you might have to pivot to something like snow removal during that season.

11. Sell With Amazon FBA

Sell With Amazon FBA

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $10,000 – $50,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $100 – $20,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy wholesale items, store them in an Amazon warehouse, sell them online

If you’re looking for online business ideas, Amazon FBA ( fulfilled by Amazon ) is an interesting way to earn passive income. It involves purchasing wholesale products at a bulk discount, listing them on Amazon for retail price, and selling them for profit.

With the FBA program, you won’t have to lift a finger. You can ship your inventory directly to Amazon, where it will be safely stored. They’ll handle all shipping and handling for a cut of your profits.

All you have to do is set up your online store . The most important part is to make sure that you do your product research and find a good niche product that’s in high demand or trending. There is risk involved though — if your product does not sell, you could be out your entire investment.

12. Commercial Cleaning

Commercial Cleaning

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $30,000 – $50,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $1000 – $7,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy cleaning tools, truck, and trailer, then advertise to businesses

If you don’t mind late nights, then commercial cleaning can be a great small business idea. You’ll usually be cleaning large offices, restaurants, warehouses, or factories after hours.

To start, you’ll usually need a good floor-cleaning machine and possibly a floor polisher as well. You’ll also need lots of mops, commercial vacuums, and a truck-and-trailer setup to store everything in as well.

If you’re looking for an additional side hustle, you can even use some of your tools to open up a small car wash business on the side!

13. Mobile Pet Grooming

Mobile Pet Grooming

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $40,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $500 – $10,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy a large Sprinter-style van, equip it with grooming tools

If you like animals, this is an excellent small business idea. The pet grooming market is constantly growing , so your services will always be in demand.

To start with, you’ll need a large climate-controlled van that can hold all of your grooming equipment. This will be your biggest investment. Then you can market your services online and through local pet stores and shelters.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

14. Open A Convenience Store

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $50,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $15,000 – $25,000 per month
  • How To Start: Rent a store space, buy shelves and coolers, stock it

There will always be a need for convenience stores. Sure, you can save money by going to the grocery store or ordering online, but those aren’t convenient .

People visit convenience stores because they’re fast, quick, and easy. They want to grab a snack and a cold drink and be in-and-out in less than 3 minutes.

To start with, you’ll need to lease a store space. Then, you can buy some secondhand shelves to stock snacks and other necessities, as well as a few coolers to keep cold drinks in.

If you get a license to sell beer, wine, tobacco, and lottery tickets, you’ll get even more customers.

As long as your convenience store is in an area with steady traffic and there isn’t too much competition, it’s almost guaranteed to succeed.

Best Businesses To Start With At Least $100,000

If you have access to around $100,000 in capital, here are some profitable businesses to start in Canada. If you play your cards right, you may be able to turn these “small” business ideas into big business.

15. Purchase A Rental Property

Housesit

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $30,000 – $100,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $5,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy a property, rent it to tenants

$100,000 is enough to make a 10% down payment on a $1 million property, and depending on where you live, that could be a multi-unit household, which could develop into a very profitable business.

Rent out each of the units and make sure that your income covers your mortgage, taxes, and maintenance/repairs. You get to keep the difference. If you can hire a property manager, then this is an almost entirely passive income business model.

16. Car Rentals

Car Rentals

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $50,000 – $100,000
  • How To Start: Buy cars, rent them out on Turo

With $100,000 you could purchase two or three used luxury-style vehicles and rent them out on Turo. Turo is an app that works like AirBnB, allowing owners to rent vehicles out to drivers.

This can be a particularly lucrative side hustle if you live in Toronto .

A $30,000 vehicle can be rented for up to $100 per day or more. You can rent vehicles on a daily or weekly basis. If you want the business to be truly passive, you can hire a driver to deliver the vehicles to customers.

17. Create a Coworking Space

Create a Coworking Space

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $80,000 – $100,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $2,000 – $20,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy an office space, furnish it, rent it out to members for a monthly rate

Now that remote work has become the new normal, coworking spaces are a great way to capitalize on commercial office space.

You can buy or rent a commercial office space, furnish it with modern desks, printers, chairs, and other office supplies and rent the space out to members.

It works just like a gym — members pay for access and can come and go as they please. You just have to pay a daily cleaner and keep up with utilities.

18. Heavy Equipment Rental Company

Heavy Equipment Rental Company

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $35,000 to $100,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $4,000 – $20,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy heavy equipment, rent it out to contractors

Many contractors don’t own their own heavy equipment. When large jobs come up, small contractors often pay thousands of dollars per week to rent front-end loaders, excavators, tractors, and more, making this a lucrative business opportunity.

All you have to do is keep up with maintenance on the equipment and have a space to safely store the equipment when it’s not being used.

19. Luxury Spa

Luxury Spa

  • Average Investment Needed To Start: $100,000
  • How Much You Can Make: $3,000 – $15,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Build a high-end luxury spa, hire aestheticians, market it

High-end spa treatments can easily cost hundreds of dollars. By creating a luxurious space and hiring licensed professionals, you can create a one-of-a-kind luxury spa that caters to high-end clients who want to treat themselves.

The beauty industry will never go out of style. You just have to market it the right way.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

20. Towing Company

  • How Much You Can Make: $10,000 – 15,000+ per month
  • How To Start: Buy a tow truck, apply for licenses, and start towing

Accidents occur quite frequently in Canada, and many drivers need their vehicles towed immediately after. In addition to towing post-accident vehicles, towing companies are also:

  • Requested to transport vehicles to and from auto shops
  • Contracted by police
  • Contracted by dealerships for repo jobs
  • Contracted by the city to tow illegally parked cars

If you can lock in multiple contracts and connections, starting a tow company is among the most profitable business ideas. A new tow truck can easily cost up to $80,000 or more, especially if you’re looking at the larger flatbed models that can carry larger vehicles.

Depending on your business model, you may also need to rent an empty lot (and build a fence around it), to temporarily store vehicles that you’ve towed.

As a solopreneur, you can earn between $40,000 and $50,000 per year in net profits. The real money comes from expansion, though. Once you build your business credit, you can request a loan for a second or third truck and hire professional drivers, allowing you to operate 24/7 around the clock.

With multiple trucks and drivers on the road, you can eventually grow your towing business to a full-time passive income-generating machine.

Best Business Ideas To Start In Canada

I hope this inspired you and gave you some ideas to build on. There are countless profitable business ideas out there, and the chances are that the best one has never been discovered.

The market rewards innovation and risk, so the more creative and bold you can be with your business, the more you stand to earn (and also possibly lose, so be sure to do some market research first!)

If you want to learn more about how to save money to launch your dream business, be sure to check out my guide to saving money in Canada , so you can start building capital.

Photo of author

Check Out These Posts:

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Join Our Newsletter

Signup for news and special offers!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Disclaimer: The content on Wealthawesome.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a licensed financial expert before making any life-changing decisions with your money. No content on this website is intended as financial advice. The publisher of this website does not take any responsibility for possible financial consequences of any persons applying the information in this educational content. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 Wealthawesome.com. All rights reserved

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

best business ideas with low investment in canada

FlyFromCanada

Travel Hacks & Deals for Canadians

Home » Start a Business » Business ideas

50 Best Small Business ideas in Canada

There are a number of businesses one can start off in Canada and become a millionaire. Even though the country is one of the most stable for new businesses, this does not mean you shouldn’t carry out a thorough research before venturing into the business.

One favorable thing in Canada for new businesses is the low corporate tax available that will enable your business grow. If you intend to start your business from the scratch, you would have to be hard working and ensure that you do not cut corners, this means your business plan and other relevant documents have to be in place. Here are some business ideas you might need to look into in Canada;

50 Best Profitable Small Business ideas & Opportunities in Canada

Mining consulting business.

Starting this kind of business would mean that you are proficient in the field of mining so that you would be able to provide advice to clients who would be relying on your experience and recommendation.

However, you would need to find out the requirements that you would need before starting this kind of business, and you would need to decide if you would be working exclusively to a mining company or if you would be catering to a couple of mining companies.

Transportation Business

In starting a transportation business, you would need to decide on the type of transportation business you would want to go into, which includes taxi service, medical transport, courier service, Bus Company or trucking. You would need to carry out due diligence and determine what registration, license and permit you would need before starting the business.

Freight Brokerage Business

This kind of business requires that you act as the middleman between shippers and motor carriers, with the aim of helping match shipper loads with available truck capacity. Before starting this business, you would need to find out what each provincial regulations towards the business is, as well as the basic requirement from the National Transportation Brokers Association (NTBA), and then the license you would be required to won.

Independent Financial Advisor

Independent financial advisor are also referred to as brokers and mean that they offer products and advices to clients, and you would need to hold several financial licenses that include health insurance, mutual funds, and other licenses that permit the sales of securities and mortgages.

Equipment Leasing

You can engage in equipment leasing business especially for those that are into mining. Not everyone going into mining have their equipment or are ready to buy due to their tight budget, and so leasing is always less expensive. Providing this kind of service will be highly beneficial to you as a business just starting out as you would be providing a needed service. You would have to check what kind of equipment your competitors have and their rates for leasing.

Cleaning Business

As a cleaning business owner you would need to provide cleaning services to clients that would require it. You can decide to either clean only residential areas, commercial areas, or offer both kind of service. No special education or experience is needed to start this business or ensure that you succeed, except your determination. However, you will need to be familiar with cleaning products and chemicals that would be required for your kind of business.

Business Plan Service

This is a business that could bring in some money for you by offering to write a business plan to those intending to start their own businesses but do not have the time to sit and write out a plan for themselves. You could offer different packages to your client and give them the choice of picking one that suits their budget. Ensure that you have business plan sample to show your clients.

Computer Repair Business

To offer this kind of business, you would need to have experience, training or even a license, as you would need to know the main types of software and also hardware components. A license would ensure that people entrust their computers to you.

Fashion and Clothing Business

If you have got the talent for making clothing or jewelries, and intend to start it as a business, then you would need to identify your key customers and devise ways that will attract them to patronize you.

Event Planning

Before starting this kind of business, you would need to ensure that you are organized and a calm person, as this kind of business, requires one who is organized. You can start out this business by starting with events that are small in nature before graduating to handling huge events.

Courier Service

This is a business that depends on the demand for delivery from personal needs ( such as home delivery of milk and bread ), corporate stocks, to medical supplies. This means that there is always a delivery of some kind every day. Also, manufacturers and merchants are always seeking to deliver products to their retailers or consumers, which is how the courier service makes it.

Export Specialist

Canada’s is one of the major exporters in North America and so if you decide to go into this business you will be making cool cash for yourself. You can teach the basics to those who need to know and ensure that your satisfied clients refer others to you so that your business would continue to grow.

Interior Decorator

As an interior decorator you could help those who are overwhelmed with decorating their new homes or re-decorating their old homes. You could make your task easier by asking your clients to fill in a questionnaire that would help you design their homes to meet their specific requirements. You would also need to have a flair for color and creativity.

Bicycle Repair Business

Even though this might not be a business guaranteed to make you become a millionaire, it is a business that would bring you cool cash all the same. You could offer repairs to those whose bicycles need repairing, you would need to rent a shed for this kind of business, and can always offer other services coupled with your repair business.

Editorial Services

This is a type of business that you can offer from the comfort of your home. You could carry out several editing services like copyediting, proofreading, developmental editing, indexing, book doctoring, copywriting, ghost writing, magazine article writing, book writing, or a web page content provider. You can combine several of the services, but ensure you pick those you are truly proficient at.

Marketing Copy Writer

If you have a flair for writing persuasive words then you can totally go into this kind of business, and make good money from it. However, if you aren’t proficient enough, but are interested in going into this kind of business, then you could take a course that would ensure that you become savvy in the business of writing copies for catalogs, brochures, advertising, and also marketing copy for the web.

Personal Trainer

If you are a fitness guru then perhaps you need to start thinking of training others so that they can benefit from your experience. You would need a personal website to showcase your trainings especially if you visit the home of clients to help them personally train. Another thing that would be needed to promote your brand is your existence on social media platforms. You would need to be licensed as well as being trained in CPR in case of emergencies.

Tax Specialist

If you are one who knows how to prepare taxes then you have yourself a cash making venture, as several businesses as well as individuals are willing to pay good money to have someone else help prepare their taxes.

Used Book Sales

In every house, there is a large stack of used books kept in the attic or garage. You could turn this into a business. You would need to fix a price you would want to get people to bring in their used books, and also the price for those who are willing to buy from you depending on the kind of book it is.

Wedding Planner

Becoming a wedding planner means you would be knowledgeable about wedding trends, dress styles, as well as color trends, and any other things that might be knowledgeable to your client. You would also need to have links to several liable wedding vendors, as you might be in charge of hiring the caterer or picking the venue.

Appliance Repairer

Every household in Canada has several appliances; this means that going into this business will ensure that you have a steady supply of customers. You would first have to work on appliances for family and friends and then ask that they help refer you to their friends and family as well, and then watch your business boom, especially if you are proficient enough.

Graphic Designer

New businesses crop up everyday needing fliers, posters, brochures, magazines, and such other stuffs that might be required to promote their business. Also, existing businesses constantly need to remind their customers of their existence either via websites or other media. If you are good in graphics designing, then you can start this kind of business and help clients promote their business visually.

Gift Basket Business

This kind of business requires that you carve out a niche for yourself by putting together gifts that would appeal to people in that niche. This kind of businesses is one that could fetch you good money especially if people come to know of your business.

Hairstylist

This is a popular business and is usually quite lucrative. However, if you intend starting this business by yourself, you would need to have been trained, possess a license, and also have loads of experience. If people love the way you style their hair, then you would be setting yourself up for a steady stream of customers.

Everyone loves having a front yard but not everyone has the time and patience to get the yards tidied or grasses mowed. As a landscaper, you would help people tidy up their yards, have their lawns mowed, and help remove dead leaves. You could offer other services as well.

Massage Therapist

Before you become a massage therapist, you would need to be certified so that people can take your business seriously. You could offer to give clients a home service or have them come to your home, if you do not have the means to get a business place but you would need to be careful.

Moving Service

People who wants stuffs moved to another part of town usually require someone to help them move the stuffs especially if it involves heavy lifting. You can start this kind of business and ensure people know about you by placing your posters in strategic places.

Music Lessons

If you are a skilled musician, you could offer music lessons to those who are interested in learning music or becoming better at their craft. You can teach people individually or offer group classes, whichever mode is convenient for you.

Photography

Photography is another lucrative business that you can go into as people everyday often wants their photographs taken. Even though the rise of smart phones and cameras has caused a decline in the demand for such services, there are still lucrative niches such as weddings, portraits of people and pets that you can go into.

Website Developer

If you are good at designing websites then this is totally a business opportunity for you. As a website developer, you would need to have portfolios of your jobs so that potential clients could see and contract your services. This is a cool cash making business.

Mobility Products

Every country has a sizeable chunk of senior citizens that make up its population, and Canada is no different. Most seniors reach a point where they are no longer able to move around without the aid of wheelchairs, walkers or canes. You could go into this kind of business and watch how you get a steady stream of cash.

Pet Sitting

Canadians love pets and this could be a business for you to look into. This kind of business is also recession proof, as most people still care for their pets regardless of how bad the economy is. You could help dog owners take their dogs for a walk, or could look after a pet for those who might be going on business or leisure trips.

Social Club Business

There are people who need a place to unwind after a day’s work or during the weekend, your social club business if well structured could be where people come to relax or catch fun. You would have to ensure that your club is conducive enough to cater for all kinds of clients.

Party Supply Business

Parties are thrown almost every week but not many want to be bothered about getting the supplies themselves, this is the reason why they need one who would be able to being them party supplies at the location convenient for them. This is a business that needs you to provide quality products in a timely manner, as this would bring more clients to you.

Shoe Line Business

Shoes are a necessity that no one can do without. Also, almost everyone has at least more than a pair, and so you might decide to go into this business. You would need to decide which niche would be more profitable for you.

Maternity Wears

Most people who are into clothing rarely consider this business, which makes it perfect for you. You could go into corporate maternity wears that are stylish; therefore going into a niche that would see you raking in a cool amount of cash.

Baby Boutique Business

This is a business that is definitely not seasonal and is guaranteed to bring money in for you steadily. Babies outgrow their wears quick enough and so your boutique would need to stock from between certain ages. If you have quality and colorful wears, your clients would keep coming back.

Fashionable Lingerie Business

This is a business that is not seasonal. Also, women are now attracted to fashionable lingerie as it has been said to be a confidence booster. This is a business that will continue to exist as long as women who are fashionable exist.

Catering Equipment Leasing

No everyone who is going into the catering business have the money to purchase the necessary equipment needed, leasing catering equipment could be a good business for you to go into. However, if you choose to do the catering business in itself, then you have to learn some other menus and delicacy from other cultures.

Bookkeeping Service

Every business needs a book-keeper especially if that business is a small one. As a book keeper, you would need to be familiar with the various aspects of a business such as finance, management and marketing.

Video Game Trainer

Why not turn that hobby into a business. If you are a guru in playing video games, you could offer to teach those who don’t by opening up a training center where they can learn to play games. You could offer additional services as well so that even professional gamers would seek your services.

Cake Business

If you are someone who loves experimenting with icing or have several ideas of how you think a cake should look like, or have crazy cake recipes in your head, then this is a business you should consider going into. The good thing about the business is that it isn’t seasonal, and almost every day someone needs a cake to celebrate something.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Business

A B&B provides short-term accommodations that are usually in private homes or somewhere similar and usually comes with breakfast as part of its service. If you live in a big house that has spare rooms then you should consider going into this kind of business.

Rental Property Business

The rental property business requires you be a landlord as well as business person, as it involves investing in real estate which includes residential properties, and apartment buildings. You would need to find out what requirements would be necessary for you before you start this business.

Car Rental Business

Even though most people own their cars, not everyone that own it can use it probably due to the fact that they aren’t around or such circumstances. To tap into this market it would require you to find a niche that will let you have a quick flow of cash; you could target incoming passengers from the airport.

This is another business you should consider opening after ensuring that your target area does not have too many bars. Your bar should be conducive enough for your clients. Also, to keep clients coming back, you could also develop your in-house drink recipes.

Construction Business

The construction business is quite challenging and competitive, however, you should think of the type of construction service you would want to offer – from general contracting to a highly specialized kind of restoration. However, this kind of business would require licenses and permits.

Junk removal Business

People are always looking for how to get rid of junk but some might not have the patience or time to so, which is why the junk removal business is in existence. Help people remove their junk for a fee; ensure that you put your posters in targeted areas so that people can get to you.

Wedding Cloth Rentals

There are those who are of the school of thought that a wedding dress need not be bought since it can only be worn once, there are others who cannot afford a wedding dress and so would prefer renting. These are the kind of people that require your services.

Fashion Stylist

If you are creative and make a fashion statement every time you dress, then you should consider becoming a fashion stylist to a celebrity, or dress up models for photo shoots. Your success will ensure that more and more clients patronize your business.

More on Business ideas

34 Passive Income Ideas for Canadians in 2024

By Arthur Dubois | Published on 21 Aug 2023

Passive Income

The idea of passive income is quite exciting. After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy a source of income that doesn’t require them to work? It sounds too good to be true.

However, it is true. Passive income can help improve your lifestyle and allow you to enjoy the luxuries of life. Back in the day, it was hard to think of a regular income source without having to work additional hours, but today it’s possible and people are earning thousands in passive income. In this article, we’ll look at 33 passive income ideas for Canadians and explain the benefits of each.

1. Open a high-interest savings account

This is the safest and easiest way to save money. For starters, you don’t need a lot of money to open a savings account. In most cases, there’s no minimum balance requirement, you can start as low as $1. However, the interest rate you get might depend on how much you deposit.

Many accounts have tiered interest rates, which means the more money you deposit, the higher your interest rate. Other high-interest savings accounts might offer the same rate across the board, regardless of how much money there is in your account. Still, the more you save, the more passive income you’ll earn.

You only need to find a bank that offers good interest rates. Stop looking at traditional banks as they don’t offer good returns. You should look at online banks because they often offer better returns and some additional features as well. You can use Hardbacon’s savings account comparison tool to help you find the best account for you. Here are some of the best options:

Simplii Financial

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Simplii Financial is offering a promotional rate of 6% on eligible deposits for the first 5 months for new clients who open a High-Interest Savings Account before January 31, 2024.

EQ Bank offers a standard rate of 2.50% on eligible deposits, which is about 250x higher then that rate on standard savings accounts at a traditional bank. You can access your money quickly and earn 0.5% cash back by requesting a free EQ Bank card.

Neo Financial

Neo Financial offers a standard 2.25% interest rate on deposits. You can also request a free Neo Money Card to easily access your money and earn an average of 5% cash back when you spend money at Neo partner merchants.

Make sure to read the fine print before opening a savings account because they usually come with specific conditions like limited withdrawals or steep transaction fees. Interest rates are expressed as an annual rate and the amount you earn can be paid out monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. Both residents and citizens can open a bank account in Canada. You can do it online or by visiting your nearest branch. 

The interest rate is high compared to regular accounts. On the plus side, this passive income idea is secure since banks are less likely to shut down. Plus, in most cases, your eligible deposits will be protected by CDIC insurance.

2. Invest with a robo-advisor

A robo-advisor is a digital portfolio manager that uses smart technology called an algorithm to create and manage your investments while keeping costs low. It’s easy to use, all you have to do is answer a few questions about your financial goals and risk tolerance, and the robo-advisor with build a personalized portfolio and automatically invest your contributions. The robo-advisor market is worth a trillion dollars and can offer great returns compared to more traditional investment accounts thanks to much lower fees.

While you can choose to manage your own portfolio, it can be hard for someone with no investment knowledge or little time. Robo-advisors are a great option for anyone who is new to investing or wants a hands-off way to grow their wealth.

Compare different options and pick one that aligns well with your goals. You will have to pay a small fee for their services but it’s usually worth the money as it costs less than working with traditional mutual fund managers. However, on the downside, returns are not guaranteed and the market can be very unstable.

Here are two of the most popular robo-advisor platforms in Canada:

Questrade is an online brokerage that offers robo-advisor portfolios. There are no annual account fees for RRSPs and TFSAs, and you can buy ETFs without paying any commission fees. It’s free to open an account there is no cost to transfer an existing account. Management fees start at just 0.25% and drop to 0.20% if your account exceeds $100K.

Wealthsimple

Wealthsimple is also an online brokerage that offers robo-advisor portfolios built to your specific goals and risk tolerance. You can purchase both stocks and ETFs commission-free, and management fees can be as low as 0.4%. They’ll even automatically rebalance and reinvest your dividends. You also get access to expert advice from real-life financial advisors if you want some extra help or insight.

3. Invest in dividend stocks

best business ideas with low investment in canada

There are several ways to earn passive income from stocks. They don’t just gain value but also pay handsome dividends, i.e.: a share in company profits. This is a great source of passive income in Canada since you don’t have to do anything to earn money.

Look for reliable companies that pay dividends, buy shares, and enjoy dividends. You can choose an online broker to trade online or go the traditional way. 

Dividends are usually paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. However, remember that not all companies pay dividends, and some years you may have to do without dividends since they’re only paid when the company is making good returns.

It might be a good idea to do a bit of research and find companies that have a proven track record of paying dividends. Some of the best dividend stocks include Fortis, Canadian Utilities, and TC Energy. 

Also, remember that you will have to pay taxes on dividend income. The gross-up rate for non-eligible dividends is 15%, and for eligible dividends is 38%.

4. Invest in REITs

best business ideas with low investment in canada

REIT, short for real estate investment trust, is an investment body that owns, operates, and/or finances income-generating real estate. REITs are considered safe as they’re operated by experienced investors who understand the market and can protect your savings.

REITs pay handsome dividends and can offer up to double-digit returns. However, like most investment options, returns are not guaranteed. Compare different REIT options and pick what fits you the best.

Remember that REITs work well during booms and suffer when the market is down. On the positive side, you will not have to worry about anything like buying and maintaining a property since it will be the job of the governing body. You will receive your earnings in a pre-decided manner.

Investors looking for high liquidity should consider REITs as they are easy to buy and sell. They are said to be suitable for all kinds of investors since you don’t need a lot of money to start. Most companies have low minimum requirements starting at just $1,000.

5. Invest in dividend ETFs

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Interested in dividends but don’t want to carry the risk of stock picking? Consider dividend-paying exchange-traded funds (ETFs). They’re favoured by income-seeking investors and can be a great way to diversify your portfolios. 

Dividend ETFs can be in taxable or tax-exempt accounts – like RRSPs and TFSAs. Choose a liquid dividend ETF that offers good yields and isn’t very costly to manage. Some dividend ETFs in Canada go above 3%.

Many people choose this investment strategy as it’s less risky and very transparent. You can make money in two ways: price appreciation and dividend income. However, returns are not guaranteed.

6. Invest in GICs & Bonds

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Those looking for guaranteed and fixed returns can turn to Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) or bonds. A GIC is entered into with an insurance company that guarantees to pay a fixed amount of money on depositing a specific amount of money for a certain period of time. 

This is said to be an excellent option for investors who do not want to take risks and wish to enjoy a specific amount of return every month or quarter. The rate of return isn’t fixed and some companies are even willing to negotiate it. In most cases, you will enjoy a higher rate than what savings accounts offer with some companies going as high as 3 percent.

On the downside, this isn’t the most liquid option and turning your GICs into cash can take a while. The same goes for bonds. These can be defined as promissory notes issued by governments and financial institutions. A bond is essentially a debt instrument that can even be traded.

Bonds offer stable returns and aren’t as risky as stocks or other investment options. You can buy bonds by contacting a broker or financial advisor. Some banks may also offer bonds. Since there are many types of bonds on the market, it is important to know all about bonds and compare different options so you can pick the right one.

7. Start a niche blog

best business ideas with low investment in canada

The internet has opened new avenues for people who want to make money online. Blogging can be a great way to make money. Many bloggers even earn six-digit incomes through their blogs but not everyone finds success as it takes a lot of time and effort to make a mark in this industry.

Think of a topic and start a blog. We suggest that you stick to a niche that you know about so that you don’t have to look around for ideas. Some people who fell in love with the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement started blogging about it. These FIRE bloggers have created really successful sites that talk about their own FIRE experiences or just doling out advice.

Next, register your domain and get your blog up and running. You can get a free WordPress blog or invest in a professional domain and hosting platform, which will cost you about $20 per month.

Give a unique theme to your blog and design it according to your target audience. You can do it on your own as there are many site builders . Or you can hire a professional who will charge you between $50 and $500 based on the features that you need.

Brainstorm some ideas and start posting content ranging from written blogs to vlogs. This Udemy course on How to Start a Blog can be a great resource. Once up and running, you will have to keep an eye on the numbers and see what works and what doesn’t. You will be able to earn money through your blog once you start to get a decent number of hits. Top blogs receive more than 100,000 users a month. You will need at least 1,000 per month to make a profit.

Consider investing in SEO and other marketing techniques to spread the word. This will cost you money as SEO agencies can be a little expensive to work with. Similarly, you may need content writers and virtual assistants to manage the site. Expect to spend around $500 and $1,000 per month on it.

Once you start to receive traffic, you can start making money by working with a company like Google Adsense and placing ads on your website. Based on the quality of your traffic, you can earn about $10 per 10,000 visitors. It might also be a good idea to start selling merchandise through your blog and make a profit. Some people also swear by affiliate marketing as it makes it possible to earn good money.

Another option is to continue to build your presence and be an influencer. This will allow you to charge companies for advertising through your platform. Once your website is big enough, you can work with an SEO agency and charge money to place links on your site. This will pay you between $10 and $1000 per link based on the quality and niche of your website. Similarly, you can help others generate leads through your site and earn money for every lead.

8. Launch a dropshipping eCommerce busines s

best business ideas with low investment in canada

The global dropshipping market is expected to hit the $557.9 billion mark by 2025 making it one of the fastest-growing industries with an average yearly growth rate of 28.8%. It can be a great way to earn passive income.

All you have to do is start your own eCommerce store and start selling online. You don’t have to worry about producing any goods since you can sell goods produced by others. 

It’s an order fulfillment method where the seller doesn’t have to stock goods. Once you receive an order, simply purchase from a third-party seller and get it sent to the buyer without having to handle the goods. Canadians can use service providers like Alibaba , AliExpress , and ChinaBrands . They cater to Canadian consumers and will deliver in 10-15 days based on the product selected.

Some buyers may even choose to put your label on the package to protect your interest. Dropshipping has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years and involves all kinds of products including clothing, online courses, jewellery, baby products, home decor, consumer electronics, books, and more.

More and more buyers are choosing to shop online and they don’t always care who manufactures the goods as long as they’re reliable, durable, and delivered in a timely manner. This is a great source of passive income as you will not have to worry about production or shipping. 

With dropshipping, your only concern will be to manage your store and products will be taken care of by the seller. Shopify is the go-to option for people in this business as the platform makes it easy to set up online stores and manage payments.

9. Invest in a rental property

best business ideas with low investment in canada

This is an obvious option but not everyone knows how to earn a passive income from a rental property . First of all, you need to have a decent amount of money to invest since real estate in Canada is not cheap.

Toronto is among the most expensive regions where the average house costs around $750,000. Fredericton is among the cheapest where the average house costs under $200,000.

The average amount of rent charges is around 1% of the property value. However, you may also earn through price appreciation since property in Canada appreciates at a good rate up to 11% YoY .

The process is simple:

  • Calculate your budget.
  • Find a house and seal the deal.
  • Put it up for rent and find a tenant.
  • Start receiving rent payments.

You will only need to make a down payment to own a house. Rental income can be used to cover mortgage payments and property taxes. Find a sweet spot to ensure you walk away with a profit after making loan payments. This mortgage calculator can help know if you can afford a property. Since not all companies offer the same rate and terms, it might be a good idea to compare mortgage companies .

The most important thing is to find a house that’s appropriately priced. The Gross Rental Multiplier (GRM) approach can be used to value real estate. It values a rental property based on the amount of rent it can earn you every year.

Let’s say a house in the neighbourhood recently sold for $500,000. It generates a yearly rental income of $90,000. The GRM for this house will be 5.56 (500,000 divided by 90,000). You can multiply this figure (5.56) by the rental income of other properties to find their true value.

For example, if a house in the neighbourhood generates $50,000 in rental income, it will be worth $278,000 (50,000 x 5.56). For as long as the house is under this value, it’s said to be profitable. While this approach works, it might not always be correct.

You may have to hire the services of an agent to help you find the right rental property, find its real value, and ensure it stays occupied. Some developers sell managed properties where you get to earn a guaranteed rental income without having to worry about maintenance costs that can run into hundreds per month.

10. Lend on peer-to-peer lending platforms

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Peer-to-peer lending has become quite famous in the last few years thanks to online platforms that make it easier to get loans. The process is simple – find someone looking for a loan, seal the deal, and enjoy returns.

However, P2P lending comes with risks as there are usually no guarantees and you may not receive your money back if the other party defaults or goes bankrupt. There’s no specific rate of return as the interest depends on the risk factor. The higher the risk, the more money you’ll make. There are several P2P lending marketplaces in Canada including GoPeer and Lending Loop .

There are all kinds of borrowers including individuals and institutions with loans varying from $25 to $250,000 and higher with rates starting at 5% and going as high as 20%. 

11. Write books

best business ideas with low investment in canada

If you are creative with an interest in writing then consider being an author and publishing your own book or eBook. This is the era of eBooks where you don’t have to worry about finding an agent and getting your book published as tools like Amazon Kindle make it easy to self-print books.

All you need is a book with a neat cover and Kindle formatting . There’s no minimum word count for Kindle but most experts agree that a book should be at least 2,500 words. You can publish all kinds of books including children’s novels, biographies, factual books, and adult fiction.

Amazon doesn’t charge publishers upfront for publishing books and the company pays up to a 70% royalty on each sale. Royalties will continue to arrive for as long as you keep making sales. Those who don’t wish to try Kindle can post on other platforms including their own eCommerce store. 

The best thing about Kindle is that it is an international platform with buyers from around the world. You will be able to reach millions of people with your book on the platform. You will, however, have to pay a small fee for each sale based on the price of your book.

If you’re lucky, you might even attract the interest of Hollywood producers. Many Kindle eBooks have been adapted into movies including some popular titles like Fifty Shades of Grey and Serena.

12. Rent your home on Airbnb

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Do you have a big house with an empty room? Convert it into a money-making machine by putting it up on Airbnb. The average host in Canada made about $11,308 in 2020 through the platform, a little down from $13,225 in 2019 thanks to the pandemic. With travel coming back to normal, expect to earn even more in the future.

The trick is simple. Sign up for a free account and list your property. You don’t need a commercial property to make money with Airbnb. Airbnb charges a flat fee of 3% of the booking subtotal.

Houses located in touristy places tend to earn more. Plus, places that offer amenities such as a pool, balcony, or pretty view tend to earn more. Consider writing interesting descriptions and posting up-to-date and attractive photos to find more short-term renters. However, make sure that your insurance covers you for any damage !

13. Rent your car on Turo

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Just like your home, you can rent out your vehicle as well. Turo makes it possible to share your vehicle with others. Sign up for a free account and list your vehicle for free. Turo charges a small fee between 15% and 40%, but you could make up to $700 or more per month through the app.

Almost all kinds of vehicles qualify including older vehicles but your car should be in perfect condition. Here are the requirements:

  • The model year must be within the last 12 years
  • It shouldn’t have crossed 130,000 lifetime miles
  • The car should be worth under $150,000
  • It shouldn’t have a branded or salvage title
  • Vehicles designed for off-road use aren’t eligible
  • Cargo vans and passenger vans aren’t eligible
  • Financed vehicles are eligible

The company offers liability insurance of up to $2 million and excellent customer support. You’ll receive payments in only 5 days via PayPal or direct deposits. Having said that, make sure that you have the right insurance for Turo .

14. Sell online courses

best business ideas with low investment in canada

If you’re skilled with an interest in helping others then consider creating online courses to sell. This will not only help you make passive money but also allow you to build a new identity as a mentor or teacher.

You can build your own site and sell courses to your visitors or join a platform like Udemy or Teachable where thousands of learners come to find courses in different fields. Another great option is Thinkific , a Canadian online course platform that went public on the TSX in 2021.

All options have their own pros and cons. You will get to keep a larger share of the sale when you sell through your own site, but you will have fewer visitors, especially in the beginning. 

On the other hand, you will either have to pay a fee or share earnings with these platforms but you may earn more in net profit since these platforms are popular and will provide access to a larger number of buyers. 

Udemy allows instructors to create and host for free. You will receive 97% of the revenue when users purchase a course using your referral link or coupon. It goes down to 37% for courses purchased without instruction links or coupons.

Teachable uses a different model where you have to pay a monthly fee starting as low as $39 per month and going as high as $119 per month. In addition, the company charges a 5% fee on every sale.

Lastly, Thinkific has both paid and free options. The free option can be good if you are new to the industry. Paid plans start as low as $49 per month and go as high as $499. 

Don’t let these fees intimidate you as these platforms are worth a try. They’ll take the burden off your shoulder as you will not have to worry about creating or maintaining a website.

You will receive a passive income for as long as your courses continue to sell. Consider creating evergreen courses or releasing new courses so that you continue to make money.

15. Maximize your credit card rewards

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Technically speaking, this isn’t considered passive income but it can be a great way to save money. Credit cards offer a variety of rewards including free coupons, cash back offers , and discount codes. The key lies in maximizing these rewards and saving as much as you can.

Always compare credit cards and pick one that offers the most rewards. It might be a good idea to sign up for multiple cards, especially if they offer good sign-up bonuses. But, don’t go wild with your cards and know which card to use and when as some cards offer higher rewards when used under certain conditions.

Issuers are known to come up with new offers and discounts. Keep checking the official website for the latest offering including limited-time offers so that you don’t miss out on any. Also, check if you have the option to combine points where possible so you can get bigger rewards.

Lastly, always pay your bill in full and by the deadline so that you don’t get into financial trouble. Remember that different cards offer different rewards and you choose cards that offer rewards that align with your goals like cash back if you want money to spend anywhere or travel points if you want to save on travel expenses.

16. Invest in farmland

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Farmland is a tangible asset that you can buy and sell easily, making it a good choice to earn passive income. Demand for agricultural goods is on a constant rise and prices of farmland in Canada has been increasing at the rate of 10% per year. 

This makes farmland a more attractive option than stocks that offer a return of 7% per year on average. In addition to this, you can earn money from farmland by renting it out. Companies like Area One Farms and AGInbvest Canada can help you find good investment opportunities. These companies even make it possible to invest in partnerships. 

Some landowners choose to grow crops and enjoy passive income by having a team manage it. This might not sound like a passive income but it can do the trick since there are a number of management firms that can oversee your land and pay you a specific amount of money every year.

17. Invest in cryptocurrencies

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Before we start, let’s be clear that cryptocurrencies are not for everyone since this investment option is very risky with no guarantees. Crypto has given us many millionaires but it has also caused people to lose a large chunk of their income, so proceed with caution and invest only what you’re willing to lose.

Just like stocks, you will need to compare crypto exchanges to find the right one for your needs and comfort level. There are many coins to choose from including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. 

The world’s first digital coin, Bitcoin, is usually the first choice for most people but it’s among the most expensive options trading at $37,000 at the time of this writing, around 60% below its high of $92,000 in November 2021. You will also find some affordable options in the top 10 list on CoinMarketCap trading under a $1.

There are two ways to earn money through cryptocurrency:

  • Sell when prices rise
  • Stake your crypto and earn up to 4% interest

You can start as low as $5 with no upper limit but make sure to play it safe. Canada has some of the best crypto exchanges , and many are regulated to protect you from unnecessary risk.

18. Mine cryptocurrencies

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Those who do not wish to buy cryptocurrencies can choose to mine them instead. The process refers to the creation of new digital currencies. You will have to invest in your own mining rig to mine digital coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum . These rigs start as low as $3,000 and can run into the millions.

The best thing is that you don’t need own any cryto to get started. Start by getting a powerful mining computer or rig, create a wallet for digital coins . Next, you join a mining pool like Braiins Pool , which has a server installed in Canada. 

These pools bring together miners and combine their resources to get more output. Coins generated through the venture are divided among users. This is considered passive income as you will not have to do anything to earn money, your device will do it on your behalf. All kinds of coins can be mined but bigger or more expensive coins will take a lot of time to mine, which is why it is best that you stick to smaller coins. 

19. Use cash back websites & apps

best business ideas with low investment in canada

There are a number of cash back apps and websites offering free money. The concept is simple: make a purchase and receive a percentage of the purchase price back. You will find cash back deals on almost all kinds of products and services including restaurant food, clothing, and toys. Tools like Honey and Rakuten offer up to 30% cash back on some sales. Most are free to join and will offer cash back within 24-48 hours. 

20. Invest in startups through equity crowdfunding

best business ideas with low investment in canada

A part of the capital markets, equity crowdfunding refers to the process of offering private company securities to individuals for investment. The process is often subject to securities and financial regulation and is fully legal.

This option can be suitable for people with a good understanding of business and technology. It isn’t like traditional crowdfunding where money is usually accumulated to support individual projects and investors don’t always get a share in the company. 

Businesses are almost always on the lookout for investors. Sometimes, people have ideas but no money to follow them. A little financial support can help them get started and offer you big rewards if the business becomes a success. Similarly, you may lose all or a part of your investment if the idea fails.

Start by joining a crowdfunding site like FrontFundr , LiquidCrowd, or GoTroo and find projects that you believe in. You’ll be able to start as low as $100 and benefit greatly if the project turns out to be a success. However, remember the risk factor and consider diversifying your portfolio to mitigate risk.

Once you invest, you may begin to receive passive income in the form of a capital gain but don’t expect dividends as most startups will reinvest profits. 

21. Buy vending machines

best business ideas with low investment in canada

It is possible to earn passive income in Canada by investing in a vending machine. Mainly designed to offer snacks or drinks, traditional machines cost around $2,000 to $10,000 but you will also find some costing above $3000. You will have to find a good location to place the machine.

Crowded places including office canteens can be good options. The process can be lengthy as you will have to work out an agreement with the proprietor. Some may ask for a share in the profit and some will charge a flat monthly fee. You can make about $100 a week with a well-placed machine, minus expenses. 

Vending machines offering healthy options tend to do well. However, make sure to invest in a high-quality machine so that you don’t have to spend a lot on maintenance. Plus, you’ll have to use inventory tracking software to keep an eye on inventory and know when to replenish it. You’ll continue to receive passive income for as long as the machine is operational and in use. 

22. Sell stock photos

best business ideas with low investment in canada

If you have an artistic eye and a good camera then you can make money by selling photos online. Websites like Adobe Stock and Shutterstock allow you to sell your stock photos. Some platforms offer a one time payment and some offer royalties for every photo sold.

The more photos you sell, the more money you’ll make. You can make between $0.30 and $99.50 per royalty-free sale. A one-time sale can earn you $500 for photos and even higher for some clicks.

This is a great passive income idea because photos don’t easily go dated, especially if you click evergreen pictures. Work on your skills a little so you can easily find buyers.

23. Buy a laundromat

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Well-run laundromats in the right location can offer good income. According to a report , about 72.8% of laundromats in Canada are profitable. That’s slightly higher than florists at 71.2% and liquor stores at 69.2%.

This is considered a passive income idea because you will not have to do much to make money. Find a good location, install needed equipment, and welcome users. You don’t even need employees to keep one operational. However, you must keep an eye on the equipment and ensure it continues to work well.

It can be hard to tell how much you’ll make in profit as some businesses make as low as $30,000 a year and some as high as $500,000 a year. However, remember that start-up costs for a laundromat in Canada can run from about $150,000 to more than $1,000,000 based on the size and location of the facility.

24. Become a franchisee

best business ideas with low investment in canada

This option requires a good amount of starting capital but it can be a very rewarding passive income idea. Big names like KFC and McDonald’s can be hard to qualify for. KFC, for example, requires applicants to have at least $1.5 million in total net worth and over $750,000 in liquid assets. The company is known to charge a hefty franchise fee of $45,000. McDonald’s also has similar requirements . 

In both cases, you will have to pay a franchise fee and a monthly service fee of 4% of gross sales. But, don’t worry, there are some smaller businesses as well. For example, Inspiration Learning Center only requires applicants to invest $80,000 to get started.

Find a business that has potential and get a license to operate in your area. LookForaFranchise can be a great place to start. You will receive training in exchange for the investment. Despite a big initial investment, this model is profitable and often more attractive than starting your own business since you will get to enjoy the brand’s goodwill.

If you open a KFC tomorrow, you will not have to market extensively since people already know the brand and what it offers. The company will provide training and even help you attract buyers as it has to maintain standards. The average KFC makes about $1,000,000 per year and the owner takes about $120,000 a year . 

This can be a very profitable passive income idea as you will not have to devote time to your franchise. The company will provide training and you can hire managers to keep an eye on the business.

25. Sell stock music

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Just like stock photos, you can earn passive income selling stock music. This can be a suitable option for people who understand music and have the tools needed to create something interesting.

Users need royalty-free music to create online content, TV ads, and more. You can put your music on platforms like PremiumBeat and Epidemic Sound . You’ll earn money every time someone pays to download your music.

26. Rent out domain names

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Go to a website like GoDaddy and you will see that most good domain names are taken. While some of these ‘taken’ websites are active, some are reserved by people who want to rent these to buyers and make money.

Spend some time online and book domain names that you feel will be in demand tomorrow and look for buyers. You can book domains through platforms like GoDaddy and NameCheap . A site like Domain.com has a special section for premium domain names.

The easiest way to rent out domains is to join a platform like Venture . It lets users post ads with some top names like suits.com going for over $11,000 a month. In addition to this, you can post an ad on your domain informing visitors that it’s up for sale/rent. 

You will continue to earn passive income for as long as the brand is rented. All you have to do is maintain ownership and money will continue to flow into your account. While it’s an easy way to make money, remember that there’s a risk since not all domain names will find a buyer.

27. Share your Internet

Most people have more bandwidth than they need. What can you do with your extra bandwidth? You can sell it using Pawns.app . You will share your bandwidth with others in exchange for cash, bitcoin or gift cards. Other internet users and businesses will rent your bandwidth. The app will run in the background while you go on about your day. Your earnings will depend on the amount of traffic and how long you keep the application running.

In addition, you can take surveys on Pawns.app . They usually take juste a few minutes and they pay an average of $1 per survey. If you enjoy this app, share the news! Refer friends and family. When you share your affiliate link and they sign up, you get 15% of their earnings.

28. Sell your ideas

best business ideas with low investment in canada

There’s nothing more valuable than a good idea. If you play it right, you will be able to earn passive income by selling your ideas. Investors are looking for all types of ideas including concepts for books, TV shows, products, and services. If you have a unique idea, consider working on it, patenting it, or looking for investors. However, it isn’t as simple as that.

You will have to prove that your idea is worth it. There are two ways of doing it, you can sell your idea and earn money or find investors to fund it. In both cases, you will have to prepare feasibility reports and show the potential your idea holds.

Once you are ready, try websites like Hoovers.com to find businesses that may be interested in your idea. It can be hard to sell an idea alone. Consider getting a patent or producing a prototype. It costs between $750 and $1500 to register a patent. You will also have to pay maintenance fees that fall between $50 and $100.

Conversely, a prototype can cost anywhere between $100 and a million based on your idea. If you don’t want to go through the trouble then look at Innocentive and ThinkGeek . These companies offer cash rewards for good ideas going up to $1,000 and even higher in some cases.

Businesses and educational institutions also hold events to attract innovative ideas and offer rewards in return. In most cases, you will be able to choose to receive a one-time payment for your idea, which can run into millions based on the concept, or enjoy royalties. However, be careful since it is common for ideas to get stolen. 

Since thinking doesn’t require active presence, the money you earn through your ideas is considered passive income. 

29. Buy & sell NFTs

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Buying and selling NFTs is a new way to make money. Short for non-fungible tokens, NFTs are digital assets that belong to one person. Examples include digital artwork, tweets, videos, and music. The market is worth $1.3 billion .

It is easy to create NFTs. Think of the blockchain you wish to issue your NFTs on. Available options include Ethereum, EOS, Tron, etc. This is important because each blockchain comes with its own standards and compatible marketplaces with Ethereum being the most popular choice.

Assuming you’re going with Ethereum, you will have to choose a wallet that supports its standard ( ERC-721 ). Top options include Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask Deposit about $100 in Ether to your wallet and join a good NFT platform , like Rarible and OpenSea, to upload the file that you wish to turn into an NFT. Once up, go and choose to put the NFT up for sale.

The buying process is similar as well. You will earn money every time you make a sale but that’s not the only way to make money through NFTs. You can also earn passive income by renting out NFTs through reNFT where the daily rate lies between 0.002 and 2 wrapped Ethereum on average. Wrapped Ethereum is the ERC-20 version of Ether.

Another option is to earn royalties whenever your NFT changes hands on the secondary market. These days it is also possible to make passive income by choosing to stake NFTs. It refers to the process of depositing digital assets to generate a yield. Join Only1, NFTX, and other such platforms to earn rewards.

NFTs can go above millions and help you make a lot of money but this is a complicated industry so spend some time knowing about how they work.

30. Rent out your pool

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Are you lucky enough to have a pool? Consider putting up for rent to earn passive income. Platforms like Swimply make it possible for homeowners to earn a decent amount of money of up to $100 per hour based on the location and size of the pool and additional features such as pool toys and lounge chairs. 

This might sound like a fast and easy way to make a lot of money, but remember that it is very risky. Hosts may risk facing lawsuits if a visitor sustains an injury. In most cases, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure everything is safe and working. 

31. Put advertisements on your car

best business ideas with low investment in canada

This passive income idea can generate about $300 per month. All you have to do is join a company like Carvertise and have them place ads on your vehicle. 

Almost all kinds of ads qualify but how much you’ll make depends on the type of your vehicle, your regular route, and the ad placed on it. 

Ads can be placed anywhere from the back of your car to a full wrap. The company will pay for the ad and carwash. These ads are usually in the form of vinyl stickers that don’t damage the car.

32. Start a YouTube channel 

best business ideas with low investment in canada

This is one of the best ways to earn passive income in Canada. You don’t need any money to start a YouTube channel and it’s free to join. Think of a niche that you are good at. You can do anything, post video reviews of the latest movies, talk about your life, or share reaction videos.

Then sign up for a YouTube channel. You’ll only need a Google account to do that. Provide the required information such as a description and name for your channel. Think of a creative name that goes well with the theme of your channel.

  • Start posting content.
  • Monetize your channel.
  • Make money.

The last three steps are the most crucial. The content that you post must be original and interesting. YouTube is very competitive and you will not be able to enjoy good views if your content isn’t interesting. Also, YouTube takes piracy very seriously and will not allow you to share someone else’s content without permission. Doing so could get you blocked.

The next step is to monetize your channel. You will not be able to do it till you meet the minimum requirements, which are:

  • Have at least 1,000 subscribers
  • Have at least 4,000 watch hours

It can take a while to meet these requirements. Advertise your channel through social media and use neat keywords to attract more audiences. Once monetized, you will be able to make money through your channel. YouTube will display ads on your channel and advertisers will pay you.

It’s believed that 10,000 views can earn you $10 in passive income. This may not sound much but many YouTubers earn millions by posting regularly and building a strong following. This passive income idea will only work, however, if you create compelling content and find the right tools to market it.

33. Start a subscription service

best business ideas with low investment in canada

What do Netflix, Hulu, and TheraBox have in common? They’re all subscription-based services that earn money by offering subscription packages. You can do the same by coming up with a digital product people would be interested in paying for. It could be anything, a collection of interesting videos, online courses, investment tips, or an investment tool.

The most important thing is to have a product that’s unique and good enough to pay for. Think of what people would happily pay for and create a model that works for you. Some of the most popular options include teaching subscription services, digital planner subscription services, and even hobby-based subscription services. Websites like Substack even let users offer a subscription-based newsletter and earn money by offering valuable content to readers.

A subscription box business can also be a good idea. It has proven to be a major success in Canada. Subscription boxes are a recurring delivery of niche products. They help market products and receive passive income. CrateJoy can be a great place to start. You can be a member for $39 a month and enjoy features such as inventory management, review management, order management, and data security.

You can make millions with this technique but there’s a time lag. Spend lavishly on marketing and generate interest by posting reviews and testimonials. You may not have much success in the beginning but if your content is good then you’ll start to find subscribers and earn passive income. 

Start charging as low as $1 per month and increase as your business grows. This might not sound much but imagine having 10,000 subscribers. You will make $10,000 a month for nothing. Increase the rate to $2 a month and you’ll be making $20,000. The possibilities are endless.

34. Rent your garage or parking Space

best business ideas with low investment in canada

This passive income idea works well since parking in Canada is both expensive and hard to find, especially in busy areas. If you live in such an area and have an empty garage or parking space then rent it out to make some money. 

You can post an ad on Kijiji or join an app like ParkingForMe . In most cases, you will be allowed to choose your own parking rate and availability. You can earn anywhere between $3 and $15 per hour based on your location. 

The best thing about this option is that you don’t have to do anything to earn money. No additional features are needed. However, make sure to let the other party know that they’d be responsible for the security of their vehicle.

avatar

Arthur Dubois

LinkedIn

Get top content in our free newsletter.

Thousands benefit from our email every week. Join here.

Author: Michele Sponagle

By Michele Sponagle & Keph Senett

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Please be aware that some (or all) products and services linked in this article are from our sponsors.

   min read

Cropped shot of female economist working with sales statistics document at office desk

Best small business ideas for Canadians

Prathankarnpap / Shutterstock

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Please be aware this post may contain links to products from our partners. We may receive a commission for products or services you sign up for through partner links.

Small businesses have a lot going for them. At their best, they can offer their owners freedom, financial gain, and prestige. Even when you take into account the investment of time, the responsibility, and the personal and financial risks, the allure of independent work life is hard to ignore. In some ways, the biggest hurdle is getting started. That includes thinking about all your small business ideas, identifying the best small business ideas  for you , and mapping a plan forward. If you’re considering starting a small business in Canada — whether it requires an office or can be done remotely — this article is for you.

Small business ideas for Canadians

If you’re looking for a list of the best small business ideas to think about, there’s no shortage. It depends on your current set of skills, where your interests lie, and whether you’re willing to go back to school to get specialized training. Here are some possibilities worth pondering.

1. Monetize an existing hobby

This tops our list because you’re already part-way there. These are jobs based on things you’re already interested in and like to do. You just have to find ways to turn them into money-makers.

  • Antiques or art dealer
  • Thrift or vintage store owner
  • Professional eBay seller

2. Sell your own products

You might be a sourdough bread savant, a face mask master, or something else entirely. But if you’re a creator of some kind, your products could be saleable. If you’re interested in setting up an Etsy shop or your own e-commerce store, selling your goods could be a great way to make money and a simple way to get started.

  • Handmade soaps or beauty products
  • Food specialties, like preserves, cakes, and pastries
  • Curated gift baskets
  • Selling meal kits and food prep services

3. Launch your career in showbiz

If you love performing in front of people, you could make extra money in an entertainment-related pursuit.

  • YouTube performer

4. Assist behind the scenes

You didn’t think we’d really leave the introverts out, did you? Big events like weddings, retirement parties, and business retreats only  seem  seamless. They’re the result of a lot of people doing their jobs—and one of those jobs could be yours.

  • Event planner
  • Photographer/videographer

5. Get back to basics

The wisdom of learning a trade didn’t just become obsolete with the Internet. There will always be homes and cities, and they will always need maintenance.

  • Electrician
  • House painting
  • Small appliance repairs

6. Sweat equity

There is always plenty of demand for a business that can provide the muscle.

  • Home stagers, decluttering/organization expert

7. Focus on fitness

Staying healthy is a huge concern for many Canadians, especially with new guidelines put in place due to COVID-19. If you can offer services in this sector, you’ll appeal to a large potential customer base, especially if you’re willing to take courses to get certified or licensed.

  • Personal trainer
  • Physiotherapist
  • Nutritionist

READ MORE :  7 steps for how to start your own business in Canada

8. Share a skill

Chances are, you’re really good at some things. Maybe you’d like to start a small business coaching others and teaching them a skill. Some require certification, like high-level coaches for sports, but others don’t.

  • Music or art instructor
  • Language teacher

9. Get local

Now might not be the time to start a travel agency, but if you’re interested in showing people the best of your area, consider running tours or creating a local attraction.

  • Horseback riding guide
  • Sport fishing guide
  • Culinary, garden, or history-themed tours

READ MORE: Consider peer-to-peer loans with Lending Loop

10. Let’s get digital

Some businesses don’t require much if any, face-to-face interaction with the public. That’s a major bonus for the real introverts in the crowd. If your product or services can be delivered digitally, you’ll enjoy a large measure of location independence and ample alone time.

  • Writer/Editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Web site developer
  • Virtual assistant

11. Get paid just to live

Believe it or not,  just living  can be a business opportunity. When people live away from their properties or travel from their homes, they often want someone there to take care of things. You can also think of ways to make money on your real estate assets.

  • House or pet sitter
  • Property manager
  • Airbnb host

This is really only an overview of the small business ideas out there, but it should give you a bit of inspiration on what you could do. The opportunities are endless!

How to determine which small business is right for you

There’s no one business idea that works everywhere and for everyone. Any of the above ideas are viable, but figuring out what’s the best business to start involves some brainstorming. There are (at least) two parts to finding a winning idea: thinking about (1) your potential customers and their problems; and (2) what skills/expertise you can offer.

Businesses thrive by offering solutions to their customers. This means that you need to be reasonably sure people want what you’re selling.

Conversely, you need to be able to deliver what you promise. It won’t make much sense to start a dog-walking business if you’re allergic to dogs.

Finding the convergence of those two things will go a long way to shortlisting your best small business ideas.

READ MORE :  What type of business should you start in Canada?

Starting a small business can be daunting, especially in the era of COVID-19. But it’s also an enormous adventure, and if you’re successful, the payoff is plenty. These small business ideas should kick your brain into high gear. What comes next is up to you!

Once you’ve taken the first steps to start your small business, think about putting resources in place so that you can manage your biz like a boss. For starters, get a  business credit card  to separate your professional and personal expenses. It will make  filing your tax return simpler , and you may even get rewards that you can use to support your business. Another task to tackle is to look at getting  a small business loan  to finance start-up costs such as equipment, office expenses, and insurance. Finally, make sure you have an organized bookkeeping system in place. That could mean using an Excel spreadsheet, subscribing to online accounting software, or hiring a bookkeeper.

READ MORE:   Best business loans for small businesses in Canada

About our authors: faces of finance

Michele Sponagle

Michele Sponagle is a prolific, award-winning journalist who has contributed features to a wide range of top media outlets, such as The Globe and Mail, Washington Post, Ottawa Citizen and Maclean's. She has been an avid investor since she was 18 years old and has written about personal finance for publications like the National Post and Chatelaine.

Keph Senett

Keph Senett is a Canadian freelance writer whose areas of expertise include personal finance, travel and sports. When not writing, she spends her free time trying to figure out how to qualify for a soccer squad in Asia, Australia, or Antarctica.

Latest Articles

Prince Harry and Megan stand beside Prince William and Kate during a Buckingham Palace event, July 2018

Royal family drama: A lesson in estate planning

A Cargojet shipping facility is shown at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Hamilton, Ont., Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

Cargojet rolls back expansion plans after recording loss amid consumer pullback

Stock markets may be hitting record highs in the U.S., Japan and Europe, but Canadian bank shares are not catching as much momentum as they head into first quarter earnings results. Bank towe

Banking sector worries ease ahead of Q1 results, but relief still a ways off

Diana Skakavac unpacks groceries in the kitchen of her grandparents' home in Toronto on Wednesday, Feb.21, 2023. Skakavac is behind the @havecouponswilltravel Instagram account.

Make the most of loyalty programs by timing purchases, combining offers: expert

Diana Skakavac scrolls through her iPad in the kitchen of her grandparents' home in Toronto on Wednesday, Feb.21, 2023. Skakavac is behind the @havecouponswilltravel Instagram account.

'Rewarding you for the stuff you buy': How personalized offers shape grocery shopping

Statistics Canada will release its latest reading for inflation on Tuesday when it publishes its consumer price index for July. A woman shops in a clothing store in Montreal, Sunday, November

Canadian business: 5 things to watch for this week

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.

35 Best Business Ideas to Start In Canada

Looking to start a business in Canada, but you're not quite sure what to start?

To start, building your own business should be a direct result of something you’re passionate about and something you truly believe in.

This is where the magic comes from - the drive, the itch to create something remarkable, and the motivation when times get tough.

Here are 35 successful business ideas and their story of getting started in Canada.

1. Become a facebook ads consultant ($96M/year)

How much you can make: $35,000 — $8,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

Kean Graham from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started MonetizeMore about 14 years ago, a Facebook ads consultant.

  • Revenue : $8,000,000/ month
  • Founders : 1
  • Employees : 290
  • Location : Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I originally fell in love with the online industry when working for a large online classified network. The job was an immense learning experience but once the recession hit, the company decided to lay off the marketing department. I lost the best job I ever had but I was determined to turn the bad into something great.

With the devotion to improve a little bit every single day, one can accumulate incredible improvement and success.

Five days later, I'm on a plane to South America to go on a life changing trip. Four months into my backpacking trip I was on a four-day trek through the incredible Inca trail towards Machu Picchu. By the end of it, I was sitting on top of Wayna Picchu reflecting on my experiences throughout my trip. I have had the most fulfilling time of my life and it finally clicked:

how-i-disrupted-the-ad-industry-and-grew-my-business-to-20m-year

2. Start a proposal software app ($6.84M/year)

How much you can make: $570,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 205 days (?)

Kyle Racki from Halifax, Canada started Proposify about 11 years ago, a proposal software app.

  • Revenue : $570,000/ month
  • Founders : 2
  • Employees : 76
  • Location : Halifax, Canada

After high school, I studied graphic design in college and began working in agencies when I was 19 years old. That’s when I first noticed how time-consuming writing and designing proposals was, and I thought about what a solution might look like. This was in 2005 when SaaS was still relatively new. My vision was a product that was kind of like InDesign, which designers use to create professional layouts, but with the productivity and collaboration of a tool like Basecamp. I shelved that idea for many years before making a serious attempt to build it.

When I was 24 years old I left my full-time job and went out on my own as a freelancer, and shortly thereafter invited my friend and colleague, Kevin Springer to join me and create a web design and marketing agency called Headspace. We ran the business for five years, and that first business was where I made a lot of business mistakes and learned some painful lessons.

The key lessons I learned running the agency were:

how-we-built-proposify-and-grew-to-7m-arr

3. Start a photo booth business ($4.2M/year)

How much you can make: $350,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Scott McInnes from North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started TapSnap over 11 years ago, a photo booth business.

  • Revenue : $350,000/ month
  • Employees : 18
  • Location : North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

My first business was a disaster!

It was a small restaurant that I opened in 1995 at 25 years old that shut down 2 years later. I was broke, jobless and in debt. I didn’t have a specific idea of what I wanted to do, but knew that I still wanted to be an entrepreneur. I spent a couple of years working, reading business books and magazines, and looking for another opportunity.

I didn’t have much money so I could really only consider opportunities that I could start for a small amount of money and build on. And, it was also important to me that I found something that I could do as a side business. Now I guess that would be called a side hustle.

my-journey-to-starting-a-4-2m-year-photobooth-company

4. Start a recruiting agency ($3.48M/year)

How much you can make: $100 — $320,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Sharon Koifman from Montreal, Quebec, Canada started DistantJob almost 16 years ago, a recruiting agency.

  • Revenue : $290,000/ month
  • Employees : 26
  • Location : Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I started off by running and owning a hosting company called Empire Host. We had about 3K clients at the time support was run from two offices in India with nearly 30 employees.

We were also providing an outsourcing package. Our business solutions were really cheap and to be frank, our results were mediocre at best. Although the service was fine for any mom and pop shop or even an “any results will do” kind of company, we noticed that too often, people who run tech companies actually outsourced to companies such as ourselves even work that went into their core offering - because it was cheap.

At the time, what outsourcing really was, was an arbitrage business. But the concept that people would outsource big chunks of their business to a company that does not provide the same level of communication, process, quality control, and culture just because they’ll save a lot of money, that idea really stuck with me.

how-i-started-a-3m-year-remote-worker-recruitment-agency

5. Start a water filter store ($2.4M/year)

How much you can make: $1,500 — $200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 500 days (?)

Jay Vasantharajah from Canada started PureFilters over 8 years ago, a water filter store.

  • Revenue : $200,000/ month
  • Employees : 4
  • Location : Canada

Honestly… I accidentally got into the business.

I run a digital marketing agency and at the time we had a lot of HVAC Contractors as clients. One of my clients was explaining to me how he sells furnace filters to customers that he visits, and wondered if he could sell them online instead. I researched this for him and concluded that there were a ton of Google searches for furnace filters. I pitched him on creating a new campaign to sell these filters online. He decided not to do it.

Once an idea comes into my head, I don’t rest until its given a fair shot, that’s just how I am. Even though my client said "no", I still wanted to do it because I was curious. I saw it as an opportunity to get a better understanding of the e-commerce landscape and the marketing challenges involved.

launching-a-furnace-filter-store-and-growing-to-60k-month

6. Start a cannabis business ($3M/year)

How much you can make: $2,500 — $3,100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Bjorn Dawson from Waterloo, ON, Canada started Grobo almost 10 years ago, a cannabis business.

  • Revenue : $250,000/ month
  • Employees : 11
  • Location : Waterloo, ON, Canada

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs so it was always something I knew I would go into. My grandfather, for example, built some of the earliest satellite communication technology. Today, our phones can connect to satellites, but back then it required a $10M+ facility. He used entrepreneurship to develop something new and transformational that still impacts our lives today.

With my parents as entrepreneurs, I grew up understanding that lifestyle. Although they worked nights and weekends, they were always able to come to my afternoon soccer games and had significantly more flexibility in their life than most people do. That’s the life I wanted. The ability to pick what you work on, make an impact on the world, and choose when and how you do it.

I truly believe that anyone can become an entrepreneur, which is why I went into Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo instead of going into a Business program. Within the first 6 months of being in Waterloo, I purchased a home to use as a rental property. It was the best investment I’ve ever made for two reasons. The most obvious reason is the financial return. Between rent and appreciation, the house net me over $25K/year for 5 years. The second reason is the gardens.

how-we-launched-a-165k-month-automated-home-growing-box

7. Start a meal prep business ($1.56M/year)

How much you can make: $5,000 — $4,170,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)

Andrei Calinescu from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started One Life Meals about 11 years ago, a meal prep business.

  • Revenue : $130,000/ month
  • Employees : 29
  • Location : Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I started One Life Meals in 2014 and it was pretty much the next logical step in my personal and professional evolution. After graduating from the University of Toronto in 2004 (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering) I worked for 5 years in the Pharmaceutical industry.

I moved around and gathered experiences from different departments, including Project Management, Engineering and Operations. I learned a lot during this time about how to manage a new project, create and lead teams, large-scale production, quality assurance and customer service.

Be very honest and real with yourself and the reason you want to be an entrepreneur. Being interested is not enough, you need to commit.

starting-a-1-5m-healthy-meals-delivery-business

8. Start a phone case business ($1.5M/year)

How much you can make: $120,000 — $125,000/month

JP Brousseau from Quebec, Canada started Phone Loops about 10 years ago, a phone case business.

  • Revenue : $125,000/ month
  • Employees : 5
  • Location : Quebec, Canada

As a graduate of the University of Sherbrooke in mechanical engineering, I worked for six years as a consultant in several industries, applying my knowledge and skills in design, manufacturing, and organizational performance. I also taught part-time in college for about five years during the same period.

I ended up with an expertise in product development and project management. I had never operated a business before Phone Loops, and I started it slowly while working other jobs. It is my first entrepreneurial attempt, but definitely not my first business idea.

I had - and still have - hundreds of ideas for products in mind… You may wonder then why the Loop is the one product that actually made it through all the hoops…

9. Start a graphic design app ($1M/year)

How much you can make: $100 — $83,500/month

How long does it take to build: 130 days (?)

Christopher Gimmer from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada started Snappa over 8 years ago, a graphic design app.

  • Revenue : $83,500/ month
  • Location : Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

I started off my career in finance working for the federal government. Then in 2010, I took a trip to southeast Asia that changed my life. Towards the end of the trip, I dreaded the thought of going back to the office and I no longer wanted to do work that I didn’t enjoy. That’s when I first started thinking about starting a business that would give me more freedom and meaning in my life.

One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned over the years is the power of the long game. For starters, this applies to business and life in general. Sometimes you just need to play the game and things will happen.

A few years later I met Marc (now my co-founder) at work. After we became friends, I found out that he knew how to code and he was dabbling in some side projects. We discussed the idea of starting a business together and we were both pumped to do so.

how-two-friends-bootstrapped-a-saas-business-to-55k-mrr

10. Start a social media automation business ($3M/year)

How much you can make: $4,000 — $333,333/month

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

Justin Hartzman from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Needls almost 10 years ago, a social media automation business.

  • Founders : 3

My two friends, Jeremy and Michael, and I have been building businesses together for the past decade and a half but we’ve known each other since we were kids, in fact, we met at camp!

We’ve had 3 exits, two in 2005, and another one about two and a half years ago. Now we run two startups together, one of which is Needls. My personal career started when I worked at my grandparent's outdoor lifestyle store in Kingston, Ontario.

Once we hit sales of 300x in the first quarter, we realized we had something.

how-we-built-a-3m-year-business-automating-social-media

11. Start a freelance writing business ($1.5M/year)

How much you can make: $700 — $320,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $400 (?)

How long does it take to build: 53 days (?)

David Tile from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Article-Writing Co almost 13 years ago, a freelance writing business.

  • Employees : 25

In 2011, coming out of college, I miserably tried to start a penny auction website. I studied Political Science at University, which had absolutely no bearing on this idea. I knew I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and was consumed by this auction model. I had my own specific mechanics that I thought would make the game a lot more fair for the average consumer. But alas, 6-8 months later, after burning through thousands of dollars trying to get the technology right, I was absolutely nowhere.

I was resigned to not give up, but the mechanics of the auction are critical to the smooth operation of the website and if you can’t get it right you don’t have a business. So I decided to start taking on some freelance writing work, just to get some cash in.

One thing led to another and I started getting some bigger clients with bigger asks. Eventually, I snowballed hiring some writers and copy editors. Turning this thing into a full-time business operation.

how-i-started-a-80k-month-content-writing-business

12. Start a leather business ($900K/year)

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

Ryan Popoff from Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand started Popov Leather about 11 years ago, a leather business.

  • Revenue : $75,000/ month
  • Employees : 10
  • Location : Nelson, Nelson, New Zealand

Popov Leather started as a hobby.

After I graduated from art school, I had no idea what to do with myself. Leatherworking appealed to me because of how sculptural it is. Leather can vary wildly; from the way it’s tanned, the type of animal it comes from, down to how thick it is. Exploring leather as a sculptural material excited me and I was supported by a fantastic community both online (Reddit, leatherworker.net) and offline (vendors such as longview leather).

Eventually, I made a wallet that I was proud of, something I would love to carry with me. I took a few pictures and listed it on Etsy.

popov-leather-from-handmade-leather-wallets-to-900k-revenue

13. Start a luggage storage business ($780K/year)

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,999 (?)

Eugene Veeden from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started BagsAway Luggage Storage over 6 years ago, a luggage storage business.

  • Revenue : $65,000/ month
  • Employees : 2

I am a software engineer, graduated from McMaster University then began a career in Oil & Gas, where I was fortunate enough to have been granted a leave of absence. I used this opportunity to explore the world and travel to South America, Asia, and Africa!

BagsAway was born as an answer to a recurring problem my co-founder Irina and I experienced on travels, and I observed back home when renting my place on Airbnb. We are first and foremost world enthusiasts at heart - travel is a passion and a life goal for us and luggage, of course, is an inseparable part of the travel experience.

We often found our bags to be time wasters, having to make special trips to drop off or retrieve them on arrival and departure days. Or just having to drag them along, which of course limited what we could do, and we were not the only ones. We noticed others dragging their bags on Hollywood Blvd or sitting on a beach with backpacks in Asia before boarding their boats.

Validation of our business came when my Airbnb guests were repeatedly asking for a place to leave their bags before their late afternoon checkin’ and after their checkout before their evening flights, we realized there was a bigger problem and with it an opportunity. Time is the most precious currency we have so we figured there had to be a better way, and when we couldn’t find a solution we decided to create it ourselves. We were also accepted into the DMZ (Ryerson Digital Media Zone), which is the top business incubator in Canada!

how-we-started-a-65k-month-world-wide-luggage-storage-service

14. Start an axe throwing business ($720K/year)

How much you can make: $60,000 — $80,000/month

James Anderson from Whistler Resort Municipality, British Columbia, Canada started Forged Axe Throwing about 7 years ago, a axe throwing business.

  • Revenue : $60,000/ month
  • Employees : 6
  • Location : Whistler Resort Municipality, British Columbia, Canada

I’ve always wanted to run my own business. I think I have a general problem with authority.

The first job I ever had was teaching windsurfing in the summer for a summer camp, then in the winter I would teach snowboarding for a small hill in Ontario. This was my first exposure to the tourism industry.

We had a lineup out the door for ages and introduced hundreds of people to our venue. We even ran out of waivers because we couldn’t anticipate how busy we were going to be.

how-we-started-a-1m-axe-throwing-party-business

15. Start a waterbottle business ($636K/year)

How much you can make: $53,000 — $78,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Jesse Hambly from Elora, Ontario, Canada started Pressa Inc. over 8 years ago, a waterbottle business.

  • Revenue : $53,000/ month
  • Employees : 0
  • Location : Elora, Ontario, Canada

We started the project in college when we noticed class-mates flavoring their water naturally with lemons and limes. One of our roommates complained that she wasn’t getting much flavor and often disposed of the fruit at the end of the day. So we went to work creating concepts for how we thought the product would function and look.

We had absolutely no background in plastics and for this reason. Jesse’s background was marketing, Lukes was manufacturing and Mason graduated from Toronto Film academy. Our product is quite complex and was difficult but once we got it dialed in we’ve been able to repeat the manufacturing process perfectly. After our first concept, we validated the product by running a successful Kickstarter campaign. Our campaign wasn’t pretty but it did the trick and we reached our goal of 35k.

In our Kickstarter campaign, we underpriced the product. People on Kickstarter expect to pay slightly more to be the first to own a product, if we were to have done this again I’d price the product higher.

how-we-created-a-53k-month-innovative-water-bottle

16. Start a phone case business ($1.44M/year)

Andrew Moore from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Felony Case about 12 years ago, a phone case business.

  • Revenue : $120,000/ month
  • Employees : 1

It’s a funny origin story, because I never set out to start an iPhone case company.

I had just graduated from college and I was working as a driver delivering construction supplies. It gave me a ton of time to listen to podcasts and I was really drawn to tech and startup focused ones. I had an idea for a while to do a wishlist website where people could create and share a list of gifts they wanted. I ended up having the site built, but I didn’t know how to get people using the website.

Don’t be afraid to start! Don’t overthink it, get a product out into the world and start your journey.

how-i-started-and-grew-a-50k-mo-phone-case-business

17. Become a freelance app developer ($600K/year)

How much you can make: $10,000 — $91,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)

Cam Upson from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started Appsitude about 9 years ago, a freelance app developer.

  • Revenue : $50,000/ month
  • Employees : 8

I grew up in North Vancouver, Canada, as a normal kid, went to public school, I have zero post-secondary experience, and yet I had this unwavering need to succeed to do something great, I just didn't know what. I don't know if it was to prove it to myself or to show everyone else I could do it? Everyone could always tell I was different than my friends they would be out partying and I would be doing something business-related to either better myself or figuring out another way to make money.

If it's not your area of expertise and you have the money I would recommend hiring out for positions your not good at.

I knew I wouldn't be like them, working 9-5 for somebody wasn't something I could do the rest of my life I needed to figure something out and fast. Every job I got I was either fired or quit. It really is true that a boss makes a terrible employee.

acquiring-a-stagnant-app-development-company-and-leading-it-to-50k-month

18. Start a litter removal business ($720K/year)

How much you can make: $60,000/month

Brian Winch from Alberta, Canada started CleanLots.com over 42 years ago, a litter removal business.

  • Location : Alberta, Canada

I was working a full-time job at a sporting goods store when I realized that I couldn’t see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I didn’t really mind the work but didn’t enjoy working within the same four walls every day, making the same income regardless of how hard I worked and having to put in my time before being able to go home.

The great thing about starting your business as a side hustle is being able to learn and grow and eventually be in a great position to decide for yourself if you want to quit your job or have the best of both worlds.

I started thinking about the possibility of working for myself rather than someone else. But what kind of business? I didn’t have much going for me as previously noted. So I started to evaluate opportunities to match my interests and resources. Keep in mind there was no internet in 1981. I bought a number of business opportunity magazines from the news-stands and started the process of elimination.

how-i-started-a-40k-month-commercial-litter-cleaning-service

19. Start a fulfillment by amazon business ($1.26M/year)

How much you can make: $2,300 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)

Danny Carlson from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started Kenji ROI over 7 years ago, a fulfillment by amazon business.

  • Revenue : $105,000/ month

I’ve always been a thrill-seeker/adrenaline junky, so online business to me was the perfect outlet for that energy.

When I was younger I struggled with paying attention in school, I thought it was pointless. I was really smart, but only when I was interested in something. I barely managed to graduate high school due to skipping class and partying too much.

The thought of going to University sounded terrible to me, and I got depressed after resigning to a future of working a job I hated. I just didn’t see a compelling future.

This led me to work as a carpenter for 6 years in the pouring Vancouver rain, and I hated it. It wasn’t until 2015 I stumbled upon The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris and my mind expanded to the possibilities of the online business world (and how it would be my escape from construction)!

how-i-started-a-40k-month-amazon-fba-seller-services-agency

20. Start a watch brand ($300K/year)

How much you can make: $1,500 — $320,000/month

How long does it take to build: 272 days (?)

Ronnie Teja from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started Branzio about 6 years ago, a watch brand.

  • Revenue : $25,000/ month

My family moved to Canada in May 2007 which makes me a first generation immigrant. I was 21 around the time, and I came from Mumbai, India where I already had a job in advertising.

I continued to experiment with drop shipping and other small ecommerce niches, till it hit me - I needed to build a brand, which was focused on longevity, I wanted to start a purpose-driven brand, not just any watch store.

In those days, Vancouver was still a small market and the opportunities in advertising and other related industry were very limited, so I got a job selling Indian (Punjabi) radio and for my first year in Vancouver, Canada. I took public transit to do sales at mom and pop Indian stores door to door to sell radio advertising.

how-i-built-a-booming-watch-brand-from-nothing

21. Start a podcast production company ($192K/year)

How much you can make: $400 — $125,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

Jeremy Enns from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started Counterweight Creative almost 8 years ago, a podcast production company.

  • Revenue : $16,000/ month

I went to school for audio engineering, initially wanting to produce records for bands and artists. After graduating in 2012, I interned at a big studio in my hometown of Vancouver, and while I learned a lot, I quickly realized that I didn’t have the drive (or financial ability) to show up at the studio at 8am and work (for free) until 4am six or seven days a week for a year or more before moving up into a position that might pay $10/hr and actually start getting paid to work on music.

I went home that night, started a profile on UpWork, got my first client three days later, and within six months had quit my landscaping job and was working for myself full time as a podcast producer.

After interning just a couple of days per week for over a year, while also working full-time at a retail job, I quit the internship and put my dreams of working in the music industry behind me. I worked a number of manual labour jobs including landscape construction and maintenance, tree planting in northern Canada, and others before taking a year off to travel, bicycling across Europe, and backpacking through the Balkans, and Asia.

how-i-started-a-successful-podcast-production-company

22. Start a balloon decor business ($240K/year)

How much you can make: $20,000/month

Janeen Brown from started Balloon Haus LLC about 6 years ago, a balloon decor business.

  • Revenue : $20,000/ month
  • Employees : 16

I’ve always had quite the entrepreneurial spirit, always thinking of the next best idea which is how my first business was created - a non-profit focused on helping young women, followed by an employee concierge, I started with my father Jeluxxe Lifestyle Solutions. I was always intrigued to hear about others’ journeys and how they became full-time entrepreneurs but never thought I’d get there but here I am, thanks to Balloon Haus INC. As well as, reading and learning have always been an interest of mine, which is why I was able to start this “little balloon company.”

Balloon Haus was a random idea that turned a successful business. A client from one of my other companies was looking for balloon decor and my assistant agreed to help with finding a vendor. This was much harder than we thought it would be and with no luck, we turned to youtube and figured out how to create the requested installation ourselves and the rest was history. I registered the business the same day, contacted my father and he told me, “this was the best decision you have ever made.” This was the only validation that I needed to know, this was going to be a successful business.

DO NOT TAKE ON A DIFFICULT CUSTOMER. If you notice communicating with the customer from the beginning is not easy - do not continue as you will regret it and most likely end up with an unhappy customer by the end of the transaction.

how-i-started-a-20k-month-balloon-installations-and-decorations-business

23. Start a watch brand ($240K/year)

Steve Christensen from Alberta, Canada started NOVO watch over 12 years ago, a watch brand.

I am a watch fanatic! Ever since I was a young boy I’ve loved watches. During a summer job, after failing to find a cool new watch to buy, I told my friends I was going to start my own watch company and I did!

It seems the best way to attract customers is the story. Customers are smart and if the story isn’t authentic they’ll see that.

My goal was to look at new unique ways to tell time and approach the watch world differently. For the next few semesters and throughout my masters program I would sit at the back of the class drawing designs, emailing people from China and sending money to unknown people in hopes I would see my ideas turn into reality. When I finally got my first products, I was hooked. Entrepreneurship in the watch world my dream and I was standing at the foot of it.

steve-christensen-is-building-watches-from-old-train-tracks

24. Build an api ($360K/year)

How much you can make: $3,600 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

Ervin Ruci from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada started Geocode.xyz about 7 years ago, a API.

  • Revenue : $30,000/ month

I have a background in CS and Math (My master CS thesis was on a class of 3SUM hard problems in Computational Geometry)

I’ve been building independent bootstrapped startups since 2005, when I quit my last day job. One of those is geocoder.ca, a geocoding API for Canada and the US I started in 2005 (and is still going strong). It also served as the starting point to go global with geocode.xyz in 2016.

Identify your strengths and do what you like to do. Having a sense of purpose is important, especially when that purpose is to solve a problem you can muster the ability to solve.

creating-an-api-for-developers-earning-15k-month

25. Start an aftermarket car parts business ($540K/year)

How much you can make: $45,000 — $325,000/month

Mitchel Matthews from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada started Adrenaline Offroad over 6 years ago, a aftermarket car parts business.

  • Revenue : $45,000/ month
  • Employees : 3
  • Location : Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

My passion for trucks started way before I could even drive. I always wanted to have a huge lifted truck and I loved the idea of driving a vehicle that could make it through conditions that most vehicles couldn’t such as a deep ditch full of water or 3 feet of snow! My grandfather willed me one of his trucks so when I was 16 years old I was blessed to now have his old truck as my own! It was completely bone stock with not a single modification done to it….YET! Over the years I saved pretty much every penny I made at my minimum wage jobs and invested it all into building my truck up to be the beast that it is today!

These before and after pictures below are almost 6 years apart!

how-i-started-a-12k-month-aftermarket-vehicle-accessories

26. Start a franchise development business ($120K/year)

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,000,000/month

Andrew Hoffman from Brampton, Ontario, Canada started My Franchise Partners over 9 years ago, a franchise development business.

  • Revenue : $10,000/ month
  • Location : Brampton, Ontario, Canada

My background includes varied experience with the finance, operations and business development of retail, wholesale, manufacturing, distribution, importing, exporting, sales and consulting companies.

I was very fortunate to enjoy many challenges with start-up, turnaround, and fast-paced opportunities. This includes multiple locations, union and non-union shops, international commerce, restructuring and defining roles, policies, and procedures

Over the years many people suggested I had the experience and attributes required for success as a consultant. As I explored a variety of ideas I was drawn to the franchise world. I get to work with people who have a strong desire to operate their own business, build a better future and want to leave a legacy for their family. I thoroughly enjoy working with entrepreneurs who are ready for the next step in their growth cycle.

how-i-started-a-10k-month-franchise-development-business

27. Start a bathroom appliance business ($120K/year)

How much you can make: $10,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 540 days (?)

Ahmad Iqbal from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Nadeef Bidet over 8 years ago, a bathroom appliance business.

I was born in Canada, but as a child, my family and I moved around the world a lot. Before turning 22, I had lived in Pakistan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, England, United States, Italy, Dubai, not to mention Canada. My dad has a pretty cool job which required him to spend years at a time in different countries, and I believe that travel gave me a lot of perspective and maturity for my age.

I didn’t know it at the time, but the traveling was what eventually gave me the idea to start Nadeef. Basically, in Middle Eastern countries and places like Japan, Korea, and Pakistan, having a bidet is quite common. In fact, the houses and apartments have hand-held bidets built in as standard. So growing up with this bathroom hygiene I expected it as standard. Personally, I cannot use a bathroom now without a hand-held bidet - it just doesn’t feel right. There are millions of people that share this pain with me; my friends and family, and many people in our community.

I see entrepreneurship as an equation. On one side of the equation is product, and on the other side is marketing. Most people just solve for the product side.

creating-a-handheld-bidet-earning-10k-mo

28. Start a woodworking business ($78K/year)

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

Sasha Weekes from Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Canada started Timber Grove Studios over 6 years ago, a woodworking business.

  • Revenue : $6,500/ month
  • Location : Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Canada

I was always the art kid growing up, so I naturally began my post secondary education by pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. I spent my summers refinishing furniture and doing photography and that’s how I got my feet wet with business, so by my second year, I was also pursuing a minor in Commerce.

I had never really done much woodworking at all but became a lot more interested in design and home decor during those years. After finishing my third year, I was itching to do something more practical than becoming a gallery artist, so I set my sights on furniture design and enrolled in a college cabinetmaking course instead. It really wasn’t where I had ever expected to end up, but it was sort of a natural progression and I’m so glad I did it!

I started making mountain shelves in the morning before class to sell on Facebook and Kijiji. It was intended to be a fun side project but they were so popular that I started my business shortly after graduating with the mountains as my first product.

how-i-took-my-woodworking-hobby-full-time-to-build-a-successful-brand

29. Start a coffee roasting business ($90K/year)

How much you can make: $7,500 — $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

Michael Russo from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada started Firebean Coffee Roasters about 9 years ago, a coffee roasting business.

  • Revenue : $7,500/ month
  • Location : Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

I’m a life-long learner.

I believe in play, and I love to create stuff. I’m a teacher by trade, turned to stay at home dad. The joke has been if you leave a guy at home long enough, he will find hobbies...and they sometimes involve fire.

Talk to a small group of peeps that are not being served in a certain way and provide that small group a really awesome experience.

starting-a-pedal-powered-coffee-roasting-business

30. Start an embroidery business ($120K/year)

How much you can make: $6,500 — $10,000/month

Mike Lecky from Montreal, Quebec, Canada started Vagabond Heart over 6 years ago, a embroidery business.

As I mentioned above, I’m a serial entrepreneur, and a lifelong maker. I’ve been selling online since the early 2000’s, well before Shopify made it easy, even before Amazon existed. In the past I’ve designed typefaces, ran a literary magazine, published books, sold vintage menswear, and even built and sold wooden furniture online.

The idea for Vagabond Heart came to me three years ago when I was on a winter-long vacation in a small town in Mexico, which I loved, except for the fact that I didn’t really have anything to do with my time. I thought to myself, “If i’m going to come down here every winter, I need a project to keep me busy.”

The idea was a combination of my interest in vintage clothing, style, and old movies, with my love of menswear and fashion, and of course, travel. What I wanted was a way to make my normal looking duffel bag look like an updated version of the luggage you’d see on a trans-Atlantic crossing in the 1920’s, or on the runway in Casablanca .

how-i-started-a-successful-brand-selling-vintage-patches-on-etsy

31. Start an online food business ($54K/year)

How much you can make: $4,000 — $12,500,000/month

Katie Young from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada started Klondike Kettle Corn about 9 years ago, a online food business.

  • Revenue : $4,500/ month

It was actually a close friend’s idea to set up a kettle corn business in the Yukon. He had seen one set up down south (Vancouver) and thought it would take off in Carcross, a small community just outside of Whitehorse, that was starting to cater to tourists coming off the cruise ships from Skagway, AK.

When other work commitments did not allow him to follow through with his business idea, I stepped in to help. Eventually, I bought the kettle corn business from him and started to attend the Fireweed Community Market in Whitehorse.

Be open to new ideas and always be searching for creative ways to keep your product interesting.

how-i-launched-a-gourmet-popcorn-brand-from-the-yukon

32. Start a career coaching business ($36K/year)

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

Nissar Ahamed from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started CareerMetis.com over 8 years ago, a career coaching business.

  • Revenue : $3,000/ month

I started my 20s like most new graduates — unemployed and eager to start earning a living. I had just moved to Toronto, Canada, and I wanted to get a decent start to my carer.

But, as you can imagine, I went through all the challenges of the job search. I sent numerous applications and got only a handful of interviews and then struggled to convert those interviews into a successful job offer.

After a year of struggle and odd jobs, I did manage to break through and land a successful corporate job at age 22 in the electronic payments industry. It was my first breakthrough and laid the foundation for a successful Corporate Sales Career.

how-i-started-a-1-5k-month-blog-about-career-advice

33. Start a men's underwear brand ($9.6K/year)

How much you can make: $800 — $475,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 470 days (?)

Zaid Shahatit from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Nooks about 4 years ago, a men's underwear brand.

  • Revenue : $800/ month

I was always going to go to med school as far back as I remember. I busted my a-- in high school and university - balanced fitness with a good GPA, extra-curricular, research, etc. Unfortunately, I applied and didn’t get in, so I decided to start working on a Masters Degree in Genetics and Bipolar Disorder research. Although it’s still currently my “day job”, I have to say that I really didn’t like having to go somewhere 9-5 and waste 3 hours a day on a commute.

I’ve always wanted to start selling online. I looked at brands like Chubbies and Dr. Squatch and absolutely loved their humor-packed marketing to regular guys. Fast forward to needing to buy underwear, and I remember not really connecting to brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger - they show ripped dudes with 10-pack abs and play off of “sexy” marketing. Although they do cater to a certain segment of the market, and clearly their marketing works, I thought that “regular guys” (including me) were being underserved. Plus, their materials are either cotton (which isn’t very… ”friendly”) or synthetic materials. Both of them are uncomfortable, get sweaty and are generally unpleasant to wear.

Here’s a simple test to see if you really connect with a brand. Ask yourself “what underwear am I wearing?”. I’m willing to bet that for most guys, they don’t really know. When it comes to underwear, most guys don’t consider what they’re wearing. All they know is that it’s something you wear under your clothes. I thought - hey, let me try to get guys excited about underwear.

on-starting-a-men-s-underwear-brand

34. ($0/year)

Quin Amorim from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada started Q&A Selling Online Podcast over 6 years ago, a business.

  • Revenue : $0/ month
  • Location : Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

I started selling online in 1997, way before it was cool to sell online.

Not because I wanted to start an online business, but out of necessity, in order to have money to party with my friends.

how-i-started-a-podcast-business-from-home

35. Start a woodworking business ($480K/year)

Andrew Stokes - Cameron Vilcsak from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada started MTN SIDE BUILDERS almost 6 years ago, a woodworking business.

  • Revenue : $40,001/ month

I grew up surrounded by people who fixed, built, and problem solved for themselves. Always interested in building things and entrepreneurial pursuits, at 14 I had the idea to attach a chainsaw engine to my bicycle for my transportation.

A few weeks later and help from my Grandpa, I was whizzing past cars with an ear to ear smile on my face.

With a little luck, and a lot of gaming the YouTube algorithm, I was able to experience the viral effects of the internet. It has now been seen by over 25m people through my channel and other media networks.

how-i-gamed-the-youtube-algorithm-and-went-viral-with-25m-views

Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed.

To learn more about starting a business, check out our course on Starter Story .

best business ideas with low investment in canada

  • 4,818 founder case studies
  • Access to our founder directory
  • Live events, courses and recordings
  • 8,628 business ideas
  • $1M in software savings

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

Join our free newsletter to get unlimited access to all startup data. We just need your email:

Check your email

If there's a Starter Story account associated with that email you'll get an email with a link to automatically log in. The link will expire in 15 minutes.

Your existing password still works, should you want to log in with it later.

With Starter Story, you can see exactly how online businesses get to millions in revenue.

Dive into our database of 4,418 case studies & join our community of thousands of successful founders.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Join our free newsletter to get access now. We just need your email:

Fresh Year. Fresher Books. 🥳 60% Off for 6 Months. BUY NOW & SAVE

60% Off for 6 Months Buy Now & Save

Wow clients with professional invoices that take seconds to create

Quick and easy online, recurring, and invoice-free payment options

Automated, to accurately track time and easily log billable hours

Reports and tools to track money in and out, so you know where you stand

Easily log expenses and receipts to ensure your books are always tax-time ready

Tax time and business health reports keep you informed and tax-time ready

Automatically track your mileage and never miss a mileage deduction again

Track project status and collaborate with clients and team members

Organized and professional, helping you stand out and win new clients

Set clear expectations with clients and organize your plans for each project

Client management made easy, with client info all in one place

  • Team Management

FreshBooks integrates with over 100 partners to help you simplify your workflows

Send invoices, track time, manage payments, and more…from anywhere.

  • Freelancers
  • Self-Employed Professionals
  • Businesses With Employees
  • Businesses With Contractors
  • Marketing & Agencies
  • Accounting Partner Program
  • Collaborative Accounting™
  • Accountant Hub
  • Reports Library
  • FreshBooks vs. HoneyBook
  • FreshBooks vs. QuickBooks
  • Free Invoice Generator
  • Invoice Templates
  • Accounting Templates
  • Business Name Generator
  • Help Center
  • Business Loan Calculator
  • Markup Calculator

Call Toll Free: 1.866.303.6061

1-888-674-3175

  • All Articles
  • Productivity
  • Project Management

Resources for Your Growing Business

12 best business to start in canada.

12 Best Business to Start in Canada

Are you dreaming of becoming a business owner in Canada? Then it’s important to have the right ideas to approach your dream. When you’re starting out, it’s natural to think big and keep your options open.

However, you will come to find what type of business you open and where are two very essential components that you must consider. The good news is that you have drive and motivation, as that alone is what separates the dreamers from the doers.

So, what is the best business to start in Canada? That’s what you will learn here today. Below, you will find a compilation of business suggestions. This list of business ideas includes those that are profitable, as well as those that are ideal as lost-cost start-ups.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

Vertical Garden Company

Woodworking company, meal prep delivery, phone case business, 3d printing service, freelance writing service, nfc integration business, drone photography, cleaning company, litter removal, axe throwing company, key takeaways.

It’s nice to see that more people are getting interested in growing their own food once again. But one of the biggest hurdles for many Canadians to overcome is a lack of space for gardening. This is evident throughout North America, as fewer people get the chance to own sizable land these days. Thanks to vertical gardens, however, you can grow plants indoors and without the need for yardage.

The user gets to control their garden’s environment based on what they’re growing. You could start selling personal units for apartments and homes. If successful, you could expand to green buildings if you have a firm understanding of real estate.

That latter part might be somewhat lofty. But there’s no question that it would benefit many communities in Canada. Depending on your capital, you may not have the means to offer green housing. But getting into the personal vertical garden business could prove more lucrative.

There are many people who live in apartments or have minimal land in Canada. What’s more, it’s getting harder to find farmland for sale. Big corporations are buying them up at record rates to develop more commercial operations.

But don’t let that stop you from growing your own food and helping others do the same. Vertical gardens are all the rage right now. Getting in on the action early may serve you and other Canadians well.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Thanks to the power and convenience of the internet, entrepreneurs have a lot of options in terms of what they want to do. Gone are the days when it’s a foregone conclusion that you must own a warehouse.

Today, anyone can take an online business idea and run with it. It’s true that a home-based business limits your options somewhat. But there’s still plenty that you can do from home. One such home-based business that’s proven to be successful in Canada is woodworking.

You can create a wide variety of homemade products and sell them on platforms like Etsy. What’s more, you might not need to hire any employees, thus keeping your costs down.

You will need specific tools and equipment. But if you have a knack for woodworking, it’s likely that you already have at least some of the things you’ll need to create items. The nice thing about woodworking is that you can produce goods from your home. This fact alone will help you have money on startup costs.

The online business industry spans many different concepts. Woodworking is one of them that fits the home-based model well. And if you end up becoming a profitable business, you can always invest in retail space if necessary.

This business idea is more relevant than ever. In the wake of the pandemic and the lockdowns that followed, it’s harder for Canadians to get out to get food. With a meal prep delivery service, you will be contributing and helping a significant part of the population.

Moreover, you can thrive in this line of work. The most successful meal prep delivery companies in Canada have a rapport with their clients that they developed over the years. This strong relationship between business and client allows for more personalized service.

When you get to know your clientele, it’s easier to help your customers decide what they want. Thus, you can make suggestions and upsell food delivery subscriptions. Your clients will certainly appreciate your dedication to ensuring they get food in a timely manner.

Plus, you will be helping keep Canadians safe from potential risks while grocery shopping. So it’s a combination of convenience and safety, both of which you will be providing.

As long as people own mobile phones, the need for a phone case business will be present. Smartphone cases are big business all over the world, so it makes sense that they’re a hit in Canada, as well.

As you’ve likely noticed, a lot of fads come and go in the mobile phone industry. What’s hot one day is replaced by something new the next.

But ever since mobile phones became an essential household item, cases have remained one of the most popular accessories. Over the years, phone cases have taken on many different shapes, sizes, and styles.

But their general purpose has remained the same. Consumers like to know that they have extra protection keeping their devices safe from drops. More recently, however, water-resistant and water-proof cases have taken center stage.

So as you can see, starting a phone case business in Canada leaves you with plenty of product ideas to offer your customers. Even better, there aren’t a lot of startup costs involved. Nor do you need a lot of employees.

In fact, a very successful phone case business in Canada is currently owned and operated by a single individual.

The innovations made in 3D printing have brought the service to new heights. No one dreamed of building houses with 3D printers, but here we are. And it doesn’t stop there. Incredibly complex components and structures can now be made with 3D printers.

The industry is showing no signs of slowing down, which is why now may be the best time to be a part of it. You don’t have to build houses with 3D printers, but you can craft smaller goods for Canadian residents and companies.

What’s more, this is another business idea that you can do from home. The good news is that the price of 3D printer technology has gone down quite a bit. So you can invest in a smaller printer for your house to start out with. And if your business takes off and you need more room, you’ll have the working capital to do so.

You could even cater to fellow small business owners in Canada, creating a wide variety of specialty parts that aren’t readily available. You never know; you could become so successful that you can expand into building custom 3D-printed houses.

More businesses are moving away from the traditional office model. Services that were once a niche market are now available for anyone to take a crack at. Case in point: freelance writing.

Do you have the ability to string together words into sentences? And can you do so in an attractive manner? Freelance writing may be for you. Moreover, you have a few different options on this front.

There are plenty of agencies online that hire freelance writers for various jobs. The problem for many freelancers is finding steady work. You might get a job with an agency for a week or two, but then you’re back to looking for another gig.

Thus, consider becoming your own freelance writing service provider. This has proved to be quite lucrative for many entrepreneurs. And even better, you can do it all remotely and from the comfort of your own home.

It’s up to you how much work you want to take on. Some freelance writers do everything by themselves, accepting workloads they can handle. Others enjoy getting numerous offers and hire their own employees to help them keep up.

This line of work is one that comes with a lot of guarantees. There are always going to be new businesses and websites popping up. And as such, you will always have a clear pipeline of potential customers.

You may need to branch out and establish a marketing team to help you with funnel projects. But this is considered a good problem to have. If you’re getting so many possible job offers from clients that you need a marketing team, you’re doing something right.

NFC (Near-Field Communication) is a technology that has proven its worth and isn’t going anywhere. In fact, if you look through your smartphone, chances are that it has NFC capabilities built into it. So, what is the purpose of NFC? If you don’t use the tech, it works to transmit data within a small space.

New debit and credit cards make use of NFC, as do many security badges. The potential for NFC is limitless. As such, you could develop a niche business that uses NFC in intriguing ways. Whether it’s a security system or a payment system, you could provide local Canadian businesses with essential tools and services.

It’s very likely that more entrepreneurs will take notice of NFC’s potentials and make unique use of the technology. If you have a creative mind, brainstorm ideas that could use NFC in new and exciting ways. You never know; you might come up with the next big thing.

Drones have changed the way we capture aerial pictures and videos. What was once only possible with cranes and aircraft, drones allow for easy aerial accessibility on the cheap.

Look online or in your local retail store — you’ll find a litany of drones at different prices. Some are more capable than others, so it’s important to pay attention to camera quality and resolution. But if you have a drone that can capture high-quality images, you could offer your services to various industries all across Canada.

You will need to become proficient with operating your drone, too. It’s akin to driving an RC car but more intuitive. Drones can get into small spaces and reach incredible heights in a matter of seconds.

Whether it’s a factory that needs a picture of its stacks or a couple wanting aerial wedding shots, you could provide the services they need. Moreover, you might want to consider offering your drone services to an existing photography company.

Such a partnership would allow you to hone your skills and get a feel for the industry. Once you feel that you are able to take on more work, you can start marketing yourself to bigger businesses that need your specialty service.

It’s clear that more people are working from home now. While this has proved convenient for many people, it also comes with some downsides. More work needs to be done around the house, as juggling housework and a job isn’t easy.

Since more people are home throughout the day, it’s easier for messes to get made. As such, the need for professional cleaning services is greater than ever.

The nice thing about starting a cleaning service is that almost anyone can do it. You don’t need a college degree to clean homes. But you do need a clean background — or show that you are a trustworthy individual.

Another nice aspect of starting a cleaning company is that it takes very little startup costs to get going. You will want to insure yourself, but doing so is inexpensive. When you’re ready to take on work, you might be surprised to learn how many people need a helping hand around the house.

What’s more, there are still plenty of working Canadians who go to a physical office or job site every day. So while the work-from-home community is sure to provide ample work, the same is likely true for the traditional worker, as well.

Marketing your cleaning service should be pretty straightforward. Of course, creativity never hurts. But you can cover a lot of ground by advertising your services around town and through social media posts. As your business grows, you can invest in industrial-grade equipment and expand your services around Canada.

A litter and garbage removal service is a quick and easy business idea that requires very little to start up. What’s more, it’s something that you can take on all on your own without the need to hire employees. As your business scales, though, you may find that you need help.

If you want to grow, you will need others to assist you in your litter removal efforts. But to start, you can operate this kind of service with minimal investment. In fact, you might not need to purchase anything at all at first.

If you have a truck or van, bags, a broom, and tools to pick up litter, you can get started right away (after getting the necessary licenses and permits, of course). If you have the ability to pick up trash and the tools with which to do it, nothing is stopping you from giving it a go.

To get started, consider targeting business parking lots, sidewalks, and ditches. Canada has plenty of all three.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Blogs are an excellent outlet to review products and services, share insights, or just vent. And best of all, you can get paid for your thoughts. If you already own a small business in Canada, starting a blog is an excellent way to market your brand and gain exposure.

Managing a blog post is also a great way to hone your writing skills. The longer you do it, the better you will become at engaging your readers. And blogs aren’t only for trying to get new customers. Many successful bloggers have earned the attention of business owners and started partnerships.

You can earn a stream of income on ad revenue if your blog is a hit with readers. You can even earn money from speaking invitations if you are a respected and trusted blogger. What’s more, some bloggers have gotten writing deals to author books.

Best of all, you can manage all of this in your spare time and in your own home. You don’t have to get up and drive to an office every day — your office can be in your recliner! There’s a lot of freedom to be had, but you could also get inundated with offers and lose some of that freedom. It all depends on how well you can write and how far you’re willing to go.

Yes, axe throwing. Believe it or not, but teaching people how to throw axes can be a lucrative business in Canada. But aside from teaching, you can also host special events, tournaments, and services.

Axe throwing is something that gets requested for things like bachelor parties, birthdays, cookouts, and more. How involved you want to be is entirely up to you. Some axe-throwing businesses sell software related to the craft, as well as t-shirts and other merchandise.

Of course, you’ll want to be sure that you are proficient in throwing axes. You have to be able to teach others safely and professionally. And you’ll need to be sure that you can host tournaments and events without anyone getting hurt.

But if you’re able to meet these requirements, you may very well find that you can thrive with your very own axe-throwing service in Canada.

Starting a business in Canada presents endless possibilities. Best of all, you don’t necessarily need a business degree to get started — only a business plan. You will want to consider accounting software to help you manage your new business venture. 

For that, we recommend FreshBooks. You’ll have everything at your fingertips to assist you. FreshBooks excels at employee time management, client invoices, bookkeeping, and so much more. And thanks to a clean interface, FreshBooks is user-friendly and highly accessible.

As you consider the best business to start in Canada, think about your strengths and how you can use them to help others. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Creativity is often at the core of the most successful businesses.

If you’re interested in learning more tips on small businesses, be sure to check out our Resource Hub . There, we discuss the specifics of taxes, business grants, and more.

RELATED ARTICLES

What Is Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)? A Guide

Save Time Billing and Get Paid 2x Faster With FreshBooks

Want More Helpful Articles About Running a Business?

Get more great content in your Inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to receive communications from FreshBooks and acknowledge and agree to FreshBook’s Privacy Policy . You can unsubscribe at any time by contacting us at [email protected].

👋 Welcome to FreshBooks

To see our product designed specifically for your country, please visit the United States site.

150+ Small Business Ideas In Canada With Low Investment In 2022

Canada is a country with low of opportunities to start a business of your own. A lot of youngsters prefer to start a business of their own instead of jobs which is amazing. More new businesses means more job opportunities for other people. If you are one of those youngsters who is looking for small business ideas in Canada to start a business of their own then you are at the right place.

In this article, we have added a list of 150+ best business ideas in Canada with low investment for all the people who are looking forward to start a business of their own. It doesn’t matter if you are a youngster or not, you can start a business of your own at any age. After all, Colonel Harland Sanders started KFC at the age of 65 in 1952. If he can, then you also can start a business of your own in Canada at any age. Now let’s move forward to the list of 150+ small business ideas in Canada that your can start today.

Table of Contents

150+ Small Business Ideas In Canada With Low Investment

We have added a list of all the states in which there are best business ideas in Canada according to each state. You can choose the state you live in or the state in which you want to start a business of your own and look for the ideas in it. Here is the list of small business ideas in Canada according to each state:

  • 13 Small Business Ideas In Ontario With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas In Quebec With Low Investment
  • 15 Small Business Ideas In New Brunswick With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas In Nova Scotia With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas In Manitoba With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in British Columbia With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Alberta With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Prince Edward Island With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas In Saskatchewan With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Newfoundland and Labrador With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Northwest Territories With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Nunavut With Low Investment
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Yukon With Low Investment

You can choose any one of these states and start a business of your own in that states by looking at the ideas provided in the list. We have added the best business ideas that one can start without investing much.

I hope you found this list of best business ideas in Canada with low investment helpful. You can choose any one of these ideas according to your interest and start a business of your own in Canada. It is recommended to start a business according to your interest only. Do you have any other business idea in mind to start in Canada? Mention it in the comments down below!

Related Posts:

  • List of Franchise Business Opportunities Available in Canada
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Nunavut With Low Investment In…
  • 1000+ Small Business Ideas In USA With Low Investment In…
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Yukon With Low Investment In 2022
  • 13 Small Business Ideas in Prince Edward Island With Low…
  • 13 Small Business Ideas In Manitoba With Low Investment In…

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Close

You're not leaving without getting a quote, are you?

It's 100% free and just takes a moment.

Free Assessment

Free, only 2 minutes and no obligation

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Top 50 Best Businesses to Start in Canada in 2024

Are you looking to start your own business in Canada? Check out this article and we will tell you all about the most popular and profitable business here in Canada.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Martin is an expert in building consumer-facing companies. He is passionate about simplifying the life insurance buying process.

You'll learn:

Canada's business landscape is full of opportunity and is perfect for budding entrepreneurs.

Are you looking for profitable business ideas in Canada for 2024? Then keep reading. We'll take a look at the best businesses to start today.

Short Summary

Here's a quick look at the top 50 best business ideas in Canada:

  • Popular businesses include dropshipping, affiliate marketing, and creating digital products.
  • Interested in service-based businesses? Consider tutoring, personal training, or pet services.
  • Home-based businesses, like freelance copywriting or being a virtual assistant, could be right up your alley.
  • Have a talent for crafts? Handcrafted goods or food and beverage businesses could be your ticket to success.
  • For creative people, consider photography, graphic design, or event planning for your business idea.
  • If going green is your vibe, think sustainable products, waste management, or green landscaping services.

Online Business Ideas

laptop, coffee, arm

The digital era has opened up the gates to so many new money-making opportunities. This is particularly true for small business ideas that are online. Let's explore some of the most profitable online business ideas in Canada: Dropshipping, Affiliate Marketing, and Selling Digital Products.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping: think about a business where another team deals with product storage and shipping, while you focus on marketing and customer relations. Dropshipping has a low startup cost, is hands-off, and can make money to grow quickly.

Another type of dropshipping is called print-on-demand. Third-party suppliers make and ship items like clothes and accessories when ordered. However, make sure to always sample an item before you sell them to customers.

Setting up an online dropshipping store is easy with eCommerce sites like Shopify, BigCommerce. You can work with trusted dropshipping suppliers like Spocket, and DropCommerce, which can serve the Canadian market with ease.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Find the best rates

Affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing: earn money by promoting, and selling items or services online. Find an affiliate program that matches your area of interest, and sign up to get started. Commission rates vary from 5% to 50% depending on the product you sell.

Big affiliate programs in Canada include:

  • Best Buy Canada
  • Impact Radius
  • Fintel Connect

These programs can help you to make money. By combining your marketing work with the right affiliate program, you can create a profitable business in no time.

Selling Digital Products

Selling digital items like ebooks, online courses, or software is a profitable business idea with small overhead costs and big profit margins. Digital products can be music, courses, podcasts, and templates. To succeed, create top-quality, useful digital products that meet your target audience's needs.

To reach people worldwide and increase your earnings, think about using platforms like Gumroad, Teachable, and Etsy to sell your digital items. With the right marketing plan, you can take your business idea and change your love for creating digital content into a successful and profitable business opportunity.

Service-Based Businesses

training, businessman, men's suit

If you're looking for a more practical approach, service-based businesses give lots of chances to use your skills and passions. Let's look at three popular service-based small business ideas in Canada: Tutoring, Personal Training, and Pet Services. Also, starting a consulting business can be a profitable choice if you're an expert in a specific area.

Tutoring is a great way to assist students of all ages achieve their educational targets. If you find that appealing, then tutoring could be one of the best small business ideas for you.

Tutoring is booming in Canada, with people teaching different subjects or skills, either face-to-face or online. Kicking off a tutoring business is fairly easy and needs a small investment. As a personal tutor, you can earn anywhere from $30 to $90 an hour, based on your experience and the subject you're teaching.

By finding your special skills and the students you want to help, you can build a tutoring business that brings in money and helps students reach their study targets. Providing tailored, one-to-one tutoring can make you stand out from the crowd and keep your students coming back.

Personal Training

People have recognized the importance of good health (and health insurance ) due to the events that happened during COVID, which is partially why personal training is in high demand right now. If you decide to offer a personal training service, you can either do it in person or through virtual training sessions, catering to various clients and preferences. Personal trainers have an average wage that is higher than most other occupations in the same sector, which is around $28.58 per hour.

You can try the following steps to maximize your income:

  • Connect with people closer to you
  • Set up your gym
  • Offer online courses or virtual training sessions to reach more people

If you use these strategies and plan things out well, it is not hard for your business to thrive.

Pet Services

As pet ownership continues to grow in Canada, pet service businesses, such as dog walking business, grooming, or pet sitting, can be started with minimal investment. Canadians’ spending on pets, pet food, pet insurance , and veterinary care increased by 17.1% from 2018 to 2021, signaling a promising market for pet service providers.

By offering services tailored to the needs of pet owners in your area, you can tap into the lucrative pet industry and establish a thriving business. Expanding your services to include personalized pet products, like those offered by Perkie Prints, can further enhance the appeal of your own business and generate additional revenue.

It will only take a little investment for you to start a pet service business in Canada since pet ownership has increased rapidly over the past few years. On top of providing tailored service to pet owners near you, you can also sell personalized pet products like those offered by Perkie Prints, which is great for creating a profitable business.

Home-Based Businesses

coffee, book, flowers

Exploring small businesses? Consider home-based ones for low startup costs and flexible operation. Here are three top choices in Canada: Freelance Copywriting, Virtual Assistance, and Handcrafted Goods creation.

Freelance Copywriting

desk, laptop, notebook

Freelance copywriting offers benefits such as:

  • Operating from home
  • Deciding your pricing
  • Providing varied services (website content, email marketing, ad copy)
  • Working with diverse clients and sectors
  • Freelance copywriters' income ranges from $25-$100 per hour. A website and online portfolio help in client acquisition.

Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants do office work tasks from home. They answer emails, keep schedules, and manage social media stuff. This service is popular in Canada and they can earn around $25.64 an hour.

If you want to become an expert in providing virtual assistance, you should have a specific skill to help a certain type of customer. Being a virtual assistant means you can make money while you stay at home.

Handcrafted Goods

Handcrafted items like jewelry, clothing, or home decor, can be quite profitable if you are looking to start your own business. Online platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Instagram allow you to showcase your creations to people around the globe.

Your passion can bring in a lot of profit with the low starting cost and high growth potential provided by this home-based business.

Food and Beverage Businesses

coffee, workspace, laptop wallpaper

The food and beverage sector has loads of opportunities for business-minded folks in Canada. Let's dive into three promising ideas: Catering Services, Food Trucks, and Coffee Stands.

Catering Services

Catering services, a low-investment business, cater to events like weddings, corporate gatherings, or parties. It's a profitable industry in Canada, with an average annual income of about $57,174.

Diverse menu options and superior service can set your catering business apart in the competitive food sector. Adding event planning or equipment rental services can enhance your own business appeal and boost income.

Food Trucks

Food trucks can be less costly than traditional restaurants and provide the flexibility of location changes and event participation for the best businesses. Food truck owners could benefit from:

  • Reduced setup costs
  • Extended customer reach
  • Event participation opportunities
  • High earnings potential with some making up to $500,000 annually in Canada

Unique food offerings and good service can establish a loyal customer base and grow the business. Finding popular spots and events can maximize earnings and make the food truck a local go-to.

Coffee Stands

The coffee sector is growing in Canada, and coffee carts require less investment than a full cafe. They have less maintenance cost and can provide service to a larger group of people, bringing in good revenue.

By serving good coffee and top-level service, your coffee cart can start to create a loyal customer base. If you want to increase your earning even further, you can try adding specialty drinks, pastries, or light meals to your menu.

Creative Business Ideas

camera, photographs, souvenir

Artistic minds can find lucrative options in creative businesses. You have the talents and the passion, now is the time to make them profitable. Let's dive into three popular creative business options in Canada: Photography, Graphic Design, and Event Planning. Photography allows you to profit from your passion.

You might have the skills already, but equipment is equally important.

Photography

Photography enterprises can serve various needs, like portrait, wedding, or commercial shoots. There's ample growth space in the field with options to sell prints or conduct workshops.

Developing a unique photography business license with style and top-notch service can draw a broad client base. A robust portfolio and smart marketing strategies can make your photography venture a popular and reliable choice.

Graphic Design

Graphic design businesses offer service ranges like logo design, branding, or web design. With a unique style and excellent service, a diverse client base can be attracted. A good portfolio & smart marketing help establish a graphic design business as a trusted service provider. Up-to-date industry trends & skills development can help businesses flourish in a competitive market.

Event Planning

Event planning businesses can specialize in planning and coordinating events such as weddings, corporate functions, or parties. With a well-crafted business plan, opportunities for growth and expansion are achievable, allowing event planners to generate significant revenue by providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for their clients.

By developing strong relationships with vendors and venues, your event planning business can establish a reputation for excellence and reliability. Expanding your services to include event design, catering, or entertainment can further enhance the appeal of your own and generate additional revenue.

Eco-Friendly Businesses

As the demand for environmentally conscious products and services continues to grow, eco-friendly businesses present a promising opportunity for entrepreneurs in Canada. Let’s explore three eco-friendly small business ideas: Sustainable Products, Waste Management, and Green Landscaping.

Sustainable Products are products that are designed to be reused, recycled, or composted.

Sustainable Products

Selling sustainable products, such as reusable bags, eco-friendly cleaning products, or ethically sourced clothing, can tap into the growing market for environmentally friendly goods. By offering unique, high-quality sustainable products, you can attract a loyal customer base and generate revenue.

Consider partnering with eco-conscious suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the highest quality and sustainability of your products. By promoting your commitment to environmental responsibility, your sustainable products business can thrive in a competitive market.

Waste Management

Waste management businesses, including cleaning businesses, can offer services such as recycling, composting, or sustainable disposal solutions, catering to both residential and commercial clients. By providing environmentally conscious waste management services, your cleaning business can contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Partnering with local organizations, businesses, and municipalities can help establish your waste management business as a trusted service provider. By implementing effective marketing strategies and continually improving your services, your waste management and cleaning business can grow and make a positive impact on the environment.

Green Landscaping

Green landscaping businesses can focus on eco-friendly practices, such as using native plants, conserving water, or implementing sustainable design principles, to cater to environmentally conscious clients. By offering unique, sustainable landscaping solutions, you can attract a diverse range of clients and generate revenue.

Collaborating with local nurseries, suppliers, and environmental organizations can help establish your green landscaping business as a trusted, eco-friendly service provider. By promoting your commitment to sustainability, your green landscaping business can thrive and contribute to a healthier, more beautiful environment.

From online ventures to eco-friendly innovations, the Canadian market offers a wealth of diverse and successful business ideas and opportunities for entrepreneurs. By identifying your passions, skills, and target market, you can turn your dream business idea into a thriving, successful venture in Canada. Embrace the possibilities and embark on the exciting journey of entrepreneurship.

Remember to insure your future along the way. If you ever need health insurance (or life insurance) as an entrepreneur, feel free to reach out to a Dundas Life licensed advisor today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which business is most profitable in canada.

Based on the data in 2024, Payroll & Bookkeeping Businesses, Dairy Farming Businesses, Hotel Businesses, Restaurant Businesses, Construction Businesses, Automotive Businesses, Landscaping Businesses, and Plastic Product Manufacturing Businesses are the most profitable businesses in Canada.

These businesses have seen the highest growth in profits over the past few years, and are expected to continue to be the most profitable business in the future. They are also relatively low-risk investments, making them attractive to potential investors.

Investors should consider these businesses when looking for a profitable venture. With the right strategy and management, these businesses can provide a steady stream of income.

What business can I start in Canada with as little money?

Starting a small business in Canada doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether it’s creating your own online store or offering virtual services, there are numerous options available to get started with minimal upfront costs.

From setting up a business bank account and website to finding the right suppliers, there are plenty of resources available to help entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. With the right way.

What businesses are booming in Canada?

The booming industries in Canada in 2024 are travel agencies, semiconductor machinery manufacturing, scheduled air transportation, hotels & motels, e-commerce & online auctions, movie theatres, and cannabis production.

What are some popular business ideas online in Canada for 2024?

With Dropshipping, Affiliate Marketing, and Selling Digital Products becoming more popular in Canada, now is the perfect time to consider starting your own business online.

Starting an online business can be a great way to make money and build a successful business. With the right strategies and tools, you can create a profitable business that can be run from anywhere in the world.

There are many different types of types.

What are some examples of service-based businesses?

Tutoring, Personal Training, and Pet Services are all great examples of service-based businesses that provide invaluable services to their customers.

These businesses often require a lot of time and effort to run, but they can be incredibly rewarding and profitable. They can also provide a great source of income for those who are looking to supplement their existing income or start a business.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Get a quote in minutes

Achieve peace of mind today with personalized quotes from Canada's top life insurance carriers.

dundas life insurance calculator on phone

Check out our other posts

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Employers Liability Insurance

Employer's Liability Insurance is an important thing to have in the event of an employee sustaining workplace illness, injury or death.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Why Is Mortgage Insurance So Expensive?

When you start shopping for your first home, two words that you’re likely to start hearing are “mortgage’ and ‘insurance.”

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Health Spending Account (HSA) and How Does It Work in Canada?

A Health Care Spending Account allows employers to offer tax-free health and dental benefits to employees and their families. The health benefits are fully tax-deductible and tax-free.

Sign up for our news and updates

By signing up for the newsletter, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and opting into receiving announcements and general marketing emails from Dundas Life.

best business ideas with low investment in canada

You are using the website of © 2023, Dundas Life Inc. (FSRA #37628M). Dundas Life is a digital insurance brokerage who sells (ie. brokers) life insurance coverage from several Canadian life insurance companies. Dundas Life currently services clients in Canada, specifically in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Insurance documents and contracts are made between the insurance company and the end user. Prices may vary based on individual factors such as age, gender, smoker status and more. Please reference the final issued insurance documents for more details. See Dundas Life's Terms & Privacy Policy for more information regarding interacting with our website and service.

Dundas Life

  • Domain Names
  • Websites & Hosting
  • Email & Marketing
  • Partner Programs
  • Reseller Programs
  • GoDaddy Pro - Designers & Developers
  • Search for Domain Names
  • Auctions for Domain Names
  • Transfer Domain Names
  • Appraise Domain Name Value
  • Browse Domain Name Options
  • Generate Domain & Business Names
  • Domain Broker Service
  • Find a Domain Owner (WHOIS)
  • Save with Bundles
  • Website Builder
  • Online Store
  • Website Design Services
  • All Website Options
  • Web Hosting
  • WordPress Hosting
  • WordPress eCommerce Hosting
  • All Hosting Options
  • SSL Certificates
  • Website Security
  • All Web Security Options
  • Email & Microsoft 365
  • Content & Photo Creator
  • Free Logo Maker
  • Digital Marketing Suite
  • All Marketing Options
  • Call our award-winning sales & support team 24/7 1-866-938-1119

Explore our online help resources

Have an account? Sign in now.

New to GoDaddy? Create an account to get started today.

  • Control Panel Links:
  • Manage Domains
  • Manage Website Builder
  • Manage Hosting
  • Manage SSL Certificates
  • Manage Email
  • Inbox Links:
  • Office 365 Email Login
  • GoDaddy Webmail Login

best business ideas with low investment in canada

Best business ideas in Canada

best business ideas with low investment in canada

  • Share "Best business ideas in Canada" on Facebook
  • Share "Best business ideas in Canada" on X
  • Share "Best business ideas in Canada" on LinkedIn
  • Share "Best business ideas in Canada" on Pinterest

Canada’s economy is evolving as pandemic priorities change: After a tough two years, employment is on the rise and full recovery is on the horizon.

With the The Great Resignation well underway, as employees look to find work that offers both financial opportunities and personal satisfaction, this might be the the right time to take the plunge and start the small business you’ve always dreamed of.

Here’s a look at 11 great business ideas in Canada, along with startup costs.

11 great business ideas for Canada

Thinking about starting your own business? Here are 11 good ideas, along with the general startup costs for each.

  • Photographer $
  • Personal trainer $
  • Mobile home services $$
  • Freelance content creator $
  • Rideshare driver $$
  • Goods transportation $$$
  • Niche retail business $$$
  • Online specialty sales $$
  • Influencer marketing $
  • Pet Care Services $$
  • Technology repair $$

Interested? Let’s dig into the startup requirements of each business.

1. Photographer $

Business Ideas in Canada Woman with Camera

Combine cutting-edge digital technology, social media and an eye for detail and you could make money as a photographer.

The biggest cost here? A high-end professional camera, which could cost $2,000 to $5,000.

Still, this makes the list of home business ideas with low startup costs since the camera should last for years if properly maintained.

Courses in photography don’t hurt either, but the biggest challenge for startup photographers is getting the word out. They’ll need active social media accounts and a website with hosting capable of handling large image files .

2. Personal trainer $

The fitness market in Canada is expected to reach $4.7 billion this year , making it a good opportunity for entrepreneurs. It’s also one of several home business ideas with low startup costs listed here.

Personal training offers a simple path to startup: prospective trainers pay for certification courses ($500 - $1000) and then start looking for clients. While it helps to own some fitness equipment, many clients prefer to work out in their own homes.

Expertise, not equipment, is your most valuable asset.

The challenge? As this market expands, you need a reliable way to find and keep new clients. Here, a great domain name  and website can help get new customers to contact you directly.

Related: Lisa Cowan and her passion for Pilates

3. Mobile home services $$

Business Ideas in Canada Person Snow Blowing a Sidewalk

Next on our list of top business ideas in Canada are mobile home services. It’s a lucrative market because no one really wants to wash their own windows, mow their own lawn or clean their own car. Canadians are already over-worked and looking for more vacation time.

Tap into a growing market of stressed and tired homeowners just looking for a break.

Getting started here requires some capital investment. For example, if you start a window washing business you’ll need:

  • Multiple ladders
  • A vehicle capable of carrying those ladders
  • Tools and products to efficiently clean windows

Insurance is also a requirement — homeowners won’t hire you if they’re worried about potential injuries leading to litigation.

Bottom line? Expect to pay between $10,000 and $50,000 to get started.

4. Freelance content creator $

The gig economy offers a host of opportunities for content creation specialists looking to work from home. This is another home business idea with low startup costs for:

  • Freelance writers
  • Graphic designers
  • Website developers
  • Researchers
  • Videographers

As mentioned, startup costs are minimal. A freelance writer can get to work with a computer and reliable internet connection.

The challenge? Finding clients. Freelancers need reliable, high-quality websites that draw in prospective clients and encourage them to learn more. A strong professional network is also a good source of steady leads.

5. Rideshare driver $$

Ridesharing services are quickly becoming popular in Canada. While Uber has been here for several years, competitor Lyft has now entered the Toronto market with plans to expand across the country.

Driving for a rideshare company offers several benefits. Drivers can:

  • Set their own schedules
  • Use their own vehicles
  • Leave the logistical details such as pickups, drop-offs and payment to the service’s mobile app

Potential drawbacks include wear-and-tear on your vehicle and associated fees. These can range from 25 to 40% depending on the type of ride, distance and time of day.

Startup costs here are variable. If you already own a safe and reliable car, you can get started with virtually no overhead. If you need a new car — or if you prefer to tap the more lucrative market of longer-haul rides in larger vehicles — you could end up spending anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000.

6. Goods transportation $$$

Business Ideas in Canada Semitruck in the Road

Transportation and warehousing are critical to the country’s economy, and both are on the rebound as recoveries gain speed. As a result, there’s always a need for businesses capable of moving goods cross-province or cross-country quickly and safely.

If you can build a reputation for service and reliability, this could provide long-term, stable income.

Starting a transport business comes with substantial costs, with the largest being the vehicle itself. Buying trucks outright can cost anywhere from $15,000 for smaller, used fleet vehicles to over $150,000 for large semitrucks and trailers. In addition, you’ll need:

  • A license to carry commercial goods
  • Insurance for your vehicle and its cargo
  • A name for your business, registered in your province

All told, you could easily spend more than $200,000 to get up and running with a transportation business.

7. Niche retail business $$$

While smaller specialty stores suffered during the pandemic, the market is starting to rebound. This sector now accounts for $5 billion of the Canadian economy .

If you can find the right product — for example, specialty pet supplies or organic baked goods — and the right location, it’s possible to establish your brand as one to watch.

The challenge? Small retail businesses are costly and time-consuming.

For example, renting retail space in the nation’s capital ranges from $10 per square foot in the suburbs to more than $40 downtown. Business owners must also consider the cost of:

  • Inventory management

If you’d rather avoid the upfront costs of a retail store, start online by using social and having a website that sells products. You can even boost your online visibility further by adding a custom logo that captures your brand's essence on all your digital assets. Create one in minutes using GoDaddy's free logo maker and choose from hundreds of curated templates and fonts to design with (no prior design skills necessary).

8. Online specialty sales $$

Speaking of online sales, another business opportunity that’s gaining ground is online specialty sales. This is a great choice if you have a particular talent for creating handcrafted goods and want a business you can operate from home.

Consider online sales platform Etsy — in Canada there are now more than 190,000 sellers online and 69% say their income has held steady or grown during the pandemic. Along with an online sales marketplace, you can also sell your goods directly through a personal e-commerce website .

When it comes to costs, raw materials matter.

Wooden cutout of a reindeer on a jigsaw

Consider woodworking. While the costs of lumber have fallen from pandemic records in April and May of 2021, they still remain high. Along with raw materials, online sales come with costs including:

  • Website design, deployment and hosting
  • Shipping and returns
  • The time investment required to create your products

All told, you’ll likely spend around $2,000 getting your business off the ground, and will operate in the red thanks to material costs for the first year or so until sales begin to stabilize.

9. Influencer marketing $

While there’s still some confusion around the term “influencer marketing,” there’s no denying its impact: Viral video platform TikTok has more than 1 billion followers worldwide. While Canadians can’t make use of its “Creator’s Fund,” they can get paid directly by brands for sponsored posts and other activities.

When it comes to startup costs, you can get your marketing efforts off the ground for $100 - $500. Common purchases include:

  • Ring light for high-quality video capture ($20 - $150)
  • Video editing software (free - $100)
  • Substantial time investment: More complicated videos can take days or weeks to create.

Although the monetary costs of getting started with viral and influencer marketing are low, be prepared to put in the time and effort to build a social following that not only watches your content but is willing to spend money.

Worth noting? Under Canada’s Competition Act , influencers must disclose all “material connections” they have with businesses. This includes any payment made for posts, discounts received, or free products given.

10. Pet care services $$

According to recent data , there are now more than 15 million pet dogs and cats across Canada (cats have the edge here with 8.1 million to dogs’ 7.7 million).

This growth is no surprise. With loneliness and depression common concerns during the pandemic — and with many people spending significant amounts of time at home — pets offered a way for Canadians to feel connected.

With return-to-work initiatives now underway, however, pet care services are in high demand.

Tiny dog being bathed

Depending on the approach you take, starting this type of small business could cost you between $1,000 and $10,000.

For example, if you’re starting a dog walking service you’ll need a business license from your local municipality, along with pet insurance to account for any issues that occur during your walk.

If you’re looking to start a pet grooming business, meanwhile, you’ll need to invest in the tools necessary to take care of dogs and cats. And if you opt for a mobile grooming business you’ll need to invest in a reliable vehicle.

You’ll also need to consider:

  • Potential pet certifications, such as those from Pet Sitters International
  • Animal first aid certifications
  • A professionally-built website to help new clients find you

Related: Can you make any money with a pet daycare business?

11. Technology repair $$

Technology adoption continues to grow across the country. As noted by Statistics Canada , 94% of Canadians now have internet access via broadband connections and devices in their home, while 80% have mobile data plans for devices such as smartphones and tablets. The result? Massive opportunity for skilled repair professionals to fix devices when they stop working.

To get started in this space, be prepared to spend $1,000 to $5,000. Along with purchasing the tools you’ll need to repair electronics, you’ll also need to spend on:

  • Creating a clean workspace
  • Completing certification courses, such as CompTIA A+, or Server+ if you’re working with businesses
  • Building a solid website

Expect the first few months of business to be relatively slow as your name recognition grows and people recommend your services.

The cardinal rule for success in this field? Don’t take on work that’s outside your area of expertise.

If you encounter a problem you can’t solve, return the device and issue a refund. While this results in a revenue loss, it’s better than the alternative of causing irreparable device damage, which in turn can sink your business reputation.

You could be the next big thing

Ready to ditch the daily grind for a small business opportunity? Canada offers variety, depth and potential for growth. If one of the 11 options on our list of business ideas in Canada fits, start planning now.

Your biggest business questions answered

How do i turn ideas into opportunities.

The best small business ideas are the ones that make the jump from potential to profitable. But how do you make this happen in practice?

According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), it’s all about looking for windows of opportunity.

Find something that you’re passionate about doing and then look for openings in the market that aren’t being filled.

Consider our pet services example above. While pet companies are common, the rapid uptick in pet ownership during the pandemic means more people than ever are looking for help with their pets. And as travel once again becomes an option, pet owners will be searching for reliable businesses that can take care of their homes and pets while they’re away.

How do I pick the right name?

What’s in a name? Quite a bit, actually. The right name can get your business noticed and grow your customer base. The not-quite-right name, meanwhile, may see you overlooked by prospective clients.

Consider fast-food giant Subway. Originally called Pete’s Super Submarines, the now-familiar chain struggled in its first few years. After making the change to the shorter name and iconic logo, the company turned its first profit, and the rest is history.

When it comes to picking a name, ask yourself these questions:

  • Does it reflect the product or service you offer?
  • Does it align with how you want your business to be perceived?
  • Is it easy to pronounce and remember?
  • Is it unique (and not already in use)?

What ownership structures exist for small businesses?

Depending on the type of business you’re building, different ownership structures may suit your goals.

  • Sole proprietorship

This is the most common type of ownership for a small business in Canada. In a sole proprietorship, you’re responsible for all aspects of the business. If your business takes a loss, you can apply that loss to other sources of income (such as another job) to reduce your taxes owing. The downside? You’re personally responsible for all debts incurred by your business.

  • Partnership

In a partnership, two (or more) owners share responsibility for the business. While there is no specific legal structure for a partnership, most businesses that operate under this model draw up a contract that lays out roles, responsibilities, and shares of revenue for each partner. In this case, responsibility for debts is shared equally among partners.

  • Incorporation

You may also choose to formally incorporate your small business. As noted by the BDC, while this often seems intimidating, incorporating a small business with a simple business model can take less than 20 minutes and cost less than $200.

While making the move to incorporation means you need to keep accurate and complete records of all financial transactions and provide these to relevant government agencies each year, you gain the benefit of protection of personal assets from corporate debts.

What do I need to register my business?

To register your business, you need four key pieces of information:

  • The location of your main office.
  • Which provinces and territories you’ll operate in.
  • Your business name.
  • The type of business (sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation).

Since business registration is handled at the provincial level, you’ll need to register in each province or territory where you’re planning to operate. Not sure where to get started? Check out this list of regional-based business support from the Government of Canada.

What supports exist for new small businesses?

Getting your small business off the ground can be time-consuming — and expensive.

One option to offset these costs is applying for a business loan with your bank, but depending on your credit history, current finances, and the viability of your idea, this can be challenging.

To help streamline this process, the Government of Canada offers several grant and financing programs. The Online Business Benefits Finder tool offers a personalized list of potential supports — from loans and capital investments to tax credits and wage subsidies, depending on the needs of your business.

This business ideas Canada post was originally published on 2 April, 2019 and updated on 29 October, 2019 and 28 February 2022.

10 Best Business Ideas with Low Investment in Canada 

low investment in canada

Here is a list of 10 small business ideas in Canada that will not cost you a Million Dollars and you will not need a PhD to run the business either, most businesses do require some start-up capital but what they require the most is: hard work, dedication and the desire to succeed.   

  • Pet sitting – According to the  National Association of Professional Pet Sitters  (NAPPS) pet care is one of the fastest growing businesses in Canada, if you’re an animal lover this is the perfect business for you.  
  • Cleaning service- all you need to start this business is cleaning products, having your room cleaned by a cleaning service is no longer limited to the rich now more people want affordable cleaning services to do the job for them this is why a residential cleaning service has a lot of potential.  
  • Small Business & Personal Accounting Service – a crucial aspect of a business is an accountant and a bookkeeper but finding one that is competent is hard work. Providing large scale businesses and individuals who need help with their taxes with accounting and bookkeeping service is a great idea and has enormous potential.  
  • Delivery service – some people are unable to step out the home and do day to day groceries for various reasons, either they are too busy or a certain disability disallows them for such people a delivery service is a saviour. Why not deliver items to online shoppers at their doorstep.  
  • E- Commerce – with the development of technology more and more people are moving to E-Commerce for their shopping needs and that means there are more opportunities for business owners to sell items online.  
  • Event Planning- enjoy a swing on the weekend and have a taste for good décor? Event planning may just be a business up your ally and also one that the Canadians will love.  
  • Gardening Service- Gardening is a popular hobby amongst Canadians, why not turn this hobby into a business? Not only will you make money from it, it’s also a natural stress buster and a great way to keep you fit and healthy.  
  • Painting- many people don’t find time to paint their homes because of their busy schedule or simply because DIY isn’t their thing, once you have clients you can hire professional painters to do the job for you if you feel you are not competent enough to do it yourself. You can call yourself the manager of the Painting crew.  
  • Tuitions- this can be done at the comfort of your own home and with the development of technology tutors are now using the internet in order to tutor students via video. A great business can be to teach English to non-native English speakers who are eager to learn.  
  • Freelancing content writing- find content writing jobs and pass them on to writers and keep a small sum for yourself, the more work you find the more successful you will be and you won’t physically have to do anything.  

' src=

i am professional writer and blogger who shares information related to entertainment, finance and health.

Similar Posts

Why is it Important to have Leadership Skills for Business Success?

Why is it Important to have Leadership Skills for Business Success?

Leadership does not just come up right away. It requires an intense amount of experience and the best part, what not to do most of the time. As a normal team member will try to do everything in his part for his team’s good. A leader just might not and will do only those things…

Is Investing in Gold Still Safe?

Is Investing in Gold Still Safe?

Gold investments were popular several years back, especially after the great depression. Several investors tried to save what was left of their portfolio by hedging using Gold – the story is everywhere. But what’s left uncertain is if the precious metal still holds its value.  A look at the gold prices in the past five…

What is Ford FE known for?

What is Ford FE known for?

You might be thinking that there are a lot of new models of engines available in the market but the old ones are never matched by these new ones. Yes, you need to know that despite plenty of options regarding the engines and models of vehicles available, people like to go for the old ones….

How To Start A Recruitment Business In 2021?

How To Start A Recruitment Business In 2021?

Excerpt: In the last two years, a lot of things have changed in our lives. The pandemic made us look at things differently, and the system that had been so profoundly grounded in every industry was uprooted, leaving us will the only option of digitalisation. Slowly things are returning to normal, but it also goes…

 TJ Maxx Hours Today, Tomorrow, Working Hours, Timings

 TJ Maxx Hours Today, Tomorrow, Working Hours, Timings

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on TJ Maxx hours for today, tomorrow, working hours, and store timings. Whether you’re planning a shopping trip or need to know when your local TJ Maxx opens and closes, this article will provide you with all the essential information you need. Stay informed and make the most of your…

One of the Biggest Concerns Is Pipe Freezing: Here’s How to Address the Issue

One of the Biggest Concerns Is Pipe Freezing: Here’s How to Address the Issue

This extraordinary property of water’s expandability upon freezing makes it precious. Regardless of whether it’s a metal or plastic pipeline, this expansion is putting a lot of demand on it. Increasing water pressure may lead pipes to rupture, regardless of how robust the container is. Most often, water sprinkler lines, outdoor hose bibs, and swimming…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

IMAGES

  1. Business Ideas With Low Investment

    best business ideas with low investment in canada

  2. The Top 10 Business ideas with low investment

    best business ideas with low investment in canada

  3. Top 7 Best Low Investment Business Ideas 2022

    best business ideas with low investment in canada

  4. 8 Best business ideas with low investment and high profit

    best business ideas with low investment in canada

  5. Low Investment Business Ideas

    best business ideas with low investment in canada

  6. 5 Business Ideas with a Low Investment But Very Large Profits

    best business ideas with low investment in canada

VIDEO

  1. Buying Businesses or Investing In Canada 🇨🇦

  2. What does it take to own your own business in Canada? || ኣብ ካናዳ ትካል ክትውንን ዘኽእለካ መንገድታት

  3. 7 Best Businesses You Can Start with Low Investment

  4. Top 5 Business Ideas Without Investment

  5. 20 Business Opportunities with 50k Investment only

  6. Business investment in Canada 🇨🇦

COMMENTS

  1. 50 Profitable Business Ideas to Start in Canada in 2024

    Business Ideas in Canada With Low Investment Starting a business does not need to cost a fortune. Below are great ideas that let you establish a business in Canada with little to no money. 1. Start a Blog If you have writing experience, start a blog and host it on free blog sites like WordPress or Wix.

  2. 60+ Small Business Ideas To Start in 2024

    Sell online Grow your business online Sell across channels Reach millions of shoppers and boost sales Sell in person Point of Sale (POS) Sell globally International sales Sell wholesale & direct Business-to-business (B2B) Accept online payments Set up forms of payment Market Market your business Reach & retain customers Market across social

  3. 20 Best Business Ideas To Start In Canada 2024: Be Your Own Boss

    1. Social Media Marketing Agency Average Investment Needed To Start: None How Much You Can Make: $1,000 - $10,000+ per month How To Start: Learn social media marketing, work with local businesses Local businesses often need a lot of help when it comes to social media marketing.

  4. 95 Business Ideas To Start In Canada (2024)

    Best Business Opportunities To Start In Canada 1. Start a food startup 2. Start a handmade goods business 3. Create an online course 4. Start a bicycle accessories business 5. Start an online advertising agency 6. Become a children's book writer 7. Start a surf brand 8. Start a recipe books business 9. Start an email hosting service 10.

  5. 50 Best Small Business ideas in Canada

    Equipment Leasing You can engage in equipment leasing business especially for those that are into mining. Not everyone going into mining have their equipment or are ready to buy due to their tight budget, and so leasing is always less expensive.

  6. 34 Passive Income Ideas for Canadians in 2023

    Well-run laundromats in the right location can offer good income. According to a report, about 72.8% of laundromats in Canada are profitable. That's slightly higher than florists at 71.2% and liquor stores at 69.2%. This is considered a passive income idea because you will not have to do much to make money.

  7. Best Small Business Ideas for Canadians

    1. Monetize an existing hobby This tops our list because you're already part-way there. These are jobs based on things you're already interested in and like to do. You just have to find ways to...

  8. 5 Most Profitable Small Business Opportunities in Canada

    Waste is never going away, meaning there's plenty of opportunity for environmentally conscious entrepreneurs to help the planet and make a nice profit doing it. Over 86% of small and medium-sized enterprises in this industry turned a profit as of 2015. Your business finances — simplified

  9. Best Businesses to Start in Canada: 12 Profitable Ideas

    eCommerce Store Starting an eCommerce store is another online business idea that can be done with minimal investment. It's a great way to sell products that you're passionate about. Many platforms, such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and SquareSpace, make it simple to create an online store.

  10. The Best Businesses to Start in Canada

    1. Catering If there's one thing all people love—it's food. It's something that brings people together. And, when people are brought together for other reasons, such as a celebration, there's always food involved. That's why catering is one of the best businesses you can start with a small investment.

  11. 35 Best Business Ideas to Start In Canada

    This is where the magic comes from - the drive, the itch to create something remarkable, and the motivation when times get tough. Here are 35 successful business ideas and their story of getting started in Canada. 1. Become a facebook ads consultant ($96M/year) How much you can make: $35,000 — $8,000,000/month.

  12. 15 Best Business Ideas in Canada

    Large Scale Business Ideas. 1. Quantum Computing Application Builder. Quantum computing is a new type of computer that can take the abilities of computers now, and surpass that by 100 times (a very simple definition). This brings possibilities to process data at a much greater speed.

  13. 12 Best Business to Start in Canada

    And best of all, you can get paid for your thoughts. If you already own a small business in Canada, starting a blog is an excellent way to market your brand and gain exposure. Managing a blog post is also a great way to hone your writing skills. The longer you do it, the better you will become at engaging your readers.

  14. 150+ Small Business Ideas In Canada With Low Investment In 2022

    150+ Small Business Ideas In Canada With Low Investment In 2022: BusinessBlizz 150+ Small Business Ideas In Canada With Low Investment In 2022 January 29, 2022 by Christopher Austin Canada is a country with low of opportunities to start a business of your own.

  15. The Best Small Business Ideas To Start in Canada This Year

    1. Driving School Upfront Investment: $10,000 to $50,000. If you love driving and have a solid driving record, you can start your own driving school in Canada. You can do this on your own, or scale your business by hiring additional driving instructors with their own vehicles.

  16. Want to know what are the most popular businesses to start in Canada

    Here's a quick look at the top 50 best business ideas in Canada: Popular businesses include dropshipping, affiliate marketing, and creating digital products. ... Catering services, a low-investment business, cater to events like weddings, corporate gatherings, or parties. It's a profitable industry in Canada, with an average annual income of ...

  17. Best business ideas in Canada

    This business ideas Canada post was originally published on 2 April, 2019 and updated on 29 October, 2019 and 28 February 2022. Doug Bonderud He creates content for both enterprise-level content marketing firms and startups alike; his ability to create readable, relatable articles from diverse web content is second-to-none.

  18. 13 Actual & Profitable Home Based Business Ideas for Canadians

    These home based business ideas for Canadians are just a few (13) out of many that are potential to turn into a profitable small business. When starting a small business in Canada always keep in mind that a business plan is the first step. See how much funding you can get for a cleaning service.

  19. 35 Best Franchises to Open in Canada: Low-Cost With High Profit

    At the very least, expect to invest $150,000 in this business. 23. 7 Eleven. There are nearly 600 7-eleven franchises in Canada, proving the profitability of this retail business model. You can become this store's franchisee for as low as a $70,000 initial investment, but be prepared to spend over $1 million down the road as a 7-eleven owner. 24.

  20. 8 Safe Investments With High Returns in Canada for 2024

    Canadian investors are always looking for ways to earn the highest return while making the lowest risk investments. Essentially, they try to maximize the risk-reward ratio for their benefit. When stocks are not in a bull market, lower-risk investments that still provide high rewards become more attractive.

  21. 19 Small Business Ideas For 2024

    1. Tutoring 2. Music and Voice Lessons 3. Bookkeeper 4. Pet Care Services 5. Subscription Box Service 6. Dropshipping Website 7. Dog Grooming 8. Copywriter 9. Copy Editor 10. Wedding or Events...

  22. Top 40 Best Business Ideas in Canada in 2023

    Looking for starting a new business in Canada? then, we are sharing well researched 40 business ideas to start your own business in Canada. Also, write a bus...

  23. 10 Best Business Ideas with Low Investment in Canada

    Pet sitting- According to the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) pet care is one of the fastest growing businesses in Canada, if you're an animal lover this is the perfect business for you.